Designing for Existential Sustainability : The Intersection of Social Sustainability and Universal Design, explored through Social Staircases
(2024) In Design for All, India 19(6). p.130-150- Abstract
- In this article we discuss the notions of social sustainability and universal design by reflecting on a particular type of architectural element in common space, namely the “social staircases” that serve as multifunctional spaces beyond mere transportation, aiming at social interaction. Through empirical examples, including a detailed analysis of a newly built housing project in Sweden, renowned for its sustainability efforts, we highlight the multifunctional nature of social
staircases. We conclude by introducing the notion of existential sustainability–acknowledging individuals’ and groups’ relational striving to find reasonably good living conditions – as a way to discuss limitations of practiced social sustainability and universal... (More) - In this article we discuss the notions of social sustainability and universal design by reflecting on a particular type of architectural element in common space, namely the “social staircases” that serve as multifunctional spaces beyond mere transportation, aiming at social interaction. Through empirical examples, including a detailed analysis of a newly built housing project in Sweden, renowned for its sustainability efforts, we highlight the multifunctional nature of social
staircases. We conclude by introducing the notion of existential sustainability–acknowledging individuals’ and groups’ relational striving to find reasonably good living conditions – as a way to discuss limitations of practiced social sustainability and universal design. Through “existential sustainability” we intend to find a way in which these two commonly mentioned domains can be recognized, still expanded. This approach takes a diverse range of human experiences into consideration in design of social space. We argue that such a balanced approach, which takes into account individual and existential concerns alongside systemic and societal considerations is crucial for realizing the democratic potential inherent in spaces like the social staircase. (Less) - Abstract (Swedish)
- In this article we discuss the notions of social sustainability and universal design by reflecting on a particular type of architectural element in common space, namely the “social staircases” that serve as multifunctional spaces beyond mere transportation, aiming at social interaction. Through empirical examples, including a detailed analysis of a newly built housing project in Sweden, renowned for its sustainability efforts, we highlight the multifunctional nature of social staircases. We conclude by introducing the notion of existential sustainability–acknowledging individuals’ and groups’ relational striving to find reasonably good living conditions – as a way to discuss limitations of practiced social sustainability and universal... (More)
- In this article we discuss the notions of social sustainability and universal design by reflecting on a particular type of architectural element in common space, namely the “social staircases” that serve as multifunctional spaces beyond mere transportation, aiming at social interaction. Through empirical examples, including a detailed analysis of a newly built housing project in Sweden, renowned for its sustainability efforts, we highlight the multifunctional nature of social staircases. We conclude by introducing the notion of existential sustainability–acknowledging individuals’ and groups’ relational striving to find reasonably good living conditions – as a way to discuss limitations of practiced social sustainability and universal design. Through “existential sustainability” we intend to find a way in which these two commonly mentioned domains can be recognized, still expanded. This approach takes a diverse range of human experiences into consideration in design of social space. We argue that such a balanced approach, which takes into account individual and existential concerns alongside systemic and societal considerations is crucial for realizing the democratic potential inherent in spaces like the social staircase. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
https://lup.lub.lu.se/record/341bfad8-3ebd-4c2c-b2a7-c8c93a5abdf3
- author
- Sandström, Ida LU and Sandin, Gunnar LU
- organization
- publishing date
- 2024-06-19
- type
- Contribution to journal
- publication status
- published
- subject
- keywords
- ARCHITECTURE, Existential Sustainability, Social Sustainability, Universal Design, Sustainable urban development, Human diversity, Urban planning
- in
- Design for All, India
- volume
- 19
- issue
- 6
- pages
- 21 pages
- ISSN
- 2582-8304
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- 341bfad8-3ebd-4c2c-b2a7-c8c93a5abdf3
- alternative location
- http://designforall.in
- date added to LUP
- 2024-06-19 12:53:00
- date last changed
- 2024-06-20 11:30:05
@article{341bfad8-3ebd-4c2c-b2a7-c8c93a5abdf3, abstract = {{In this article we discuss the notions of social sustainability and universal design by reflecting on a particular type of architectural element in common space, namely the “social staircases” that serve as multifunctional spaces beyond mere transportation, aiming at social interaction. Through empirical examples, including a detailed analysis of a newly built housing project in Sweden, renowned for its sustainability efforts, we highlight the multifunctional nature of social<br/>staircases. We conclude by introducing the notion of existential sustainability–acknowledging individuals’ and groups’ relational striving to find reasonably good living conditions – as a way to discuss limitations of practiced social sustainability and universal design. Through “existential sustainability” we intend to find a way in which these two commonly mentioned domains can be recognized, still expanded. This approach takes a diverse range of human experiences into consideration in design of social space. We argue that such a balanced approach, which takes into account individual and existential concerns alongside systemic and societal considerations is crucial for realizing the democratic potential inherent in spaces like the social staircase.}}, author = {{Sandström, Ida and Sandin, Gunnar}}, issn = {{2582-8304}}, keywords = {{ARCHITECTURE; Existential Sustainability; Social Sustainability; Universal Design; Sustainable urban development; Human diversity; Urban planning}}, language = {{eng}}, month = {{06}}, number = {{6}}, pages = {{130--150}}, series = {{Design for All, India}}, title = {{Designing for Existential Sustainability : The Intersection of Social Sustainability and Universal Design, explored through Social Staircases}}, url = {{http://designforall.in}}, volume = {{19}}, year = {{2024}}, }