40 | On Site
01 Yasser Tufail is head of Integrated Project Delivery - Property & Buildings, KSA, at WSP in the Middle East.
01
Yasser Tufail “Globally, governments are even being urged to consider adopting comprehensive views of performance with metrics such as wellbeing and happiness” The sense of loneliness is often compounded by the built environment, which fails to provide opportunities for interaction and inclusion. As cities expand and we adopt new ways of working and living, challenges posed by social inclusion and digital isolation will intensify. The dilemma of ‘being connected vs. feeling connected’ has broad implications, as governments build smart cities to attract business and investment. Cities like Dubai are combating these worrying trends through initiatives like the Happiness Agenda. Globally, governments are even being urged to consider adopting comprehensive views of performance with metrics such as wellbeing and happiness. These are motivating an effort to ensure people are engaged, happy, and productive. But, there is always more that could be done.
Rapid urban growth, a globally transient workforce, changes to traditional ideas of community, and the influence of emerging technologies are causing a rapidly increased sense of anxiety, isolation, and loneliness. Ironically, technology that was designed to improve communication often leaves people feeling disconnected. The loneliness epidemic is exacerbated by an over reliance on information technology. While convenient, virtual communication lacks the emotional resonance of tangible human connections. May-June 2020
Can We Combat Loneliness Through the Built Environment?
A deeper, wider thought process will produce better solutions. Developers, owners, consultants, and contractors need better understanding of what makes residents happy, which can then be translated into design principles for buildings, communities, wider urban masterplans and cities. The status quo is providing the headspace for us to focus on real value at a personal and communal scale.
Much like product design, dynamic design in the built environment employs a holistic approach that places the user at the centre of the process. The objective of dynamic design is creating places where people have more opportunities to interact with their families, society, colleagues and visitors – consequently addressing issues of loneliness. Building and urban space design can bridge the gap by making spaces more inclusive and creating opportunities for social interaction, welfare, and reflection. But this requires a dynamic approach to conventional design, especially since remote working and learning are no longer concepts; they are here and now. Can Design Drive the Change We Need?
Understanding dynamic design principles and the need for connected communities is still in its infancy. However, we are seeing a shift as developers realise the benefits of ‘busy’ infrastructure assets. Incorporating inclusion as a theme within government legislation or implementing simple citizen wellbeing design guidelines could go a long way towards ensuring more connected buildings and urban spaces. Undoubtedly, the industry is experiencing a mammoth learning curve. However, subtle innovations in future designs could make a huge impact on resolving society’s growing sense of loneliness. meconstructionnews.com