Communal spaces in apartment complexes in Melbourne, Australia: designs to foster social connectedness

ABSTRACT Apartment living is on the rise in major cities across the world, thus it is increasingly important to consider building designs that support resident wellbeing. In this study, we used a mixed methods approach to explore how apartment communal spaces can foster social connectedness and, subsequently, promote social wellbeing. The study consisted of an audit of communal spaces in apartment buildings and a qualitative case study analysis of one complex in the City of Melbourne. Unique findings revealed how the interplay between the physical design of spaces, resident and Owner’s Corporation factors, along with the overarching policy environment. Played a role in creating apartment communal spaces which fostered residents’ social wellbeing. However, these spaces were often lacking in the overall audit of Melbourne buildings. Given the health benefits, future design guidelines should recommend communal space design that can better promote social connectedness.