Social Cohesion and Neighbor Interactions within Multifamily Apartment Buildings: Challenges of COVID-19 and Directions of Action

Abstract

Relations among neighbors are a key indicator of the strength of a local social community, contribute to social cohesion and are an important factor in achieving a higher level of social sustainability. On the other hand, the environment in which people live plays an important role in encouraging social contacts and developing relationships between people. In order to establish social interactions between neighbors within a multifamily apartment building (MFAB), it is necessary to provide adequate spaces for communication between residents. This was especially emphasized during the mobility restrictions caused by COVID-19, although this necessity is permanent. This paper analyzes the influence of the physical characteristics of common spaces in MFABs on the quality and intensity of contacts among residents of MFABs in the City of Niš, Serbia. In order to determine the current quality of these spaces as a physical framework for interactions among residents and to identify the wishes of users regarding interactions with neighbors in these spaces before and during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, a survey was conducted. The analysis of the survey results and numerous examples of housing design led to (1) the formation of guidelines for future designs of MFABs and (2) recommendations for redefining the standards regulating the field of housing construction in the region, both applicable during the period of the pandemic and after it.

Prikaz Idejnog Rešenja „pačvork“ Stambene Grupacije

“…Ovi prostori služe kao komunikacija kroz naselje, pristupi jedinicama, ozelenjene površine, prostori za odmor i rekreaciju, igru dece i generalno, za uspostavljanje raznovrsnih oblika i nivoa socijalnih interakcija. Ovo poslednje je posebno značajno jer dobrosusedski odnosi doprinose društvenoj koheziji i važan su faktor u postizanju višeg nivoa društvene održivosti [9]. Pešačke staze, kao sastavni deo zajedničkih otvorenih prostora, predstavljaju vitalnu komponentu ove grupacije − presecaju lokaciju u oba pravca, obezbeđuju pristup jedinicama i međusobno povezuju stambene prostore i zajedničke otvorene površine.…”

Towards the new generation of courtyard buildings as a healthy living concept for post-pandemic era

“…Restrictions during COVID-19 dispersal and distancing measures changed the nature of social interactions and reduced face-to-face interactions significantly ( Cheung & Leung, 2011 ). To establish and improve social interaction among residents within apartment buildings, the introduction of appropriate spaces such as common rooms, shared courtyard, and terraces is essential ( Stoiljkovic, 2022 ).…”

Learning from the Past, Looking to Resilience: Housing in Serbia in the Post-Pandemic Era

“…This problem especially refers to multi-family housing. Given the significant impact of the pandemic, multiple studies are already suggesting ways to enhance urban housing in the post-pandemic era [20]. The conducted research on future changes in architectural and urban spaces, based on experts, derived keywords for trends and issues related to buildings.…”

“…In the realm of urban design, methods for its implementation have been proposed [26]. The significance of public green spaces during the pandemic has been thoroughly examined [27], as well as the challenges posed by COVID-19 in Serbia [20]. Therefore, this research addresses the issue of resilient housing in Serbia, building upon previous research conducted in 2017 [25].…”