Stella Mardani

Informality for Social Encounters
STUDIO (Re) Public (of) Architecture

As segregation and loneliness becomes more apparent in many of today’s urban environment, the thesis looks at precedents where informal social interactions form and explores their strategies to design an urban water reclamation and community facility that is conducive for performing day-to-day tasks and create opportunities for informal social contact in Coburg. Towards the future we may become increasingly reliant on public spaces to form connections, fulfil social needs and to simply be in the presence of others which can do many things to maintain individual health as well as the cohesiveness and harmony of the community as a collective. The project aims to test strategies for the role of the built environment to; influence sustainable choices, behaviour, habit, and foster an attachment to nature. As a way for the community to form relationships, shape a shared vision and identity, and alleviate prejudice through understanding in a quickly evolving neighbourhood.

_{Images
01 Final render}

_{02 Zones exploring strategies to create opportunities for informal social contact}

_{03 Different material configurations varying the height, width, and sittable edges may allow and exclude different patterns of occupation and also influence the types of social encounters that can take place.}

_{04 Shifts in occupation and interactions in event activated and non-activated days explored through scenarios.}

_{05 Expand personal learning, social sustainability (self) & cohesion (community).}

_{06 New CLT and polycarbonate extension forms a conservatory-like space. Layered connectivity: pinch point & creating positive human congestion, connectivity maintained across and below.}

_{07 Sustainability: microclimate & prototypes for change}

^{08-09 Elevations and floorplans}