The social value of public spaces in mixed-use high-rise buildings

A growing consensus recognises the impact of the built environment on creating thriving communities, particularly as societies face significant social challenges, including increasing population densification and diversification. This raises important questions about how buildings and neighbourhoods play a role in improving people’s lives; and the inherent social value of good building design. A social values framework is used to explore a unique Australian case study: U City in the City of Adelaide, an extreme mixed-use, high-rise building hosting retirement living, disability accommodation, services for some of the communities' most vulnerable groups, commercial tenants, café/retail outlets and corporate conference facilities. Three public spaces in U City are examined for their role in fostering positive emotions and a sense of belonging among diverse groups of residents, workers and casual users. Qualitative data are gathered from regular focus groups, surveys, observations and innovative resident audits of building spaces. The focus here is on results showing that public spaces in U City are key to fostering 'community'—expressed in ways that are dynamic, evolving and inclusive—where the successful generation of community is as much about championing the actors involved as it is about the provision and design of building spaces. PRACTICE RELEVANCE What social outcomes can the creation of quality spaces for 'public good' provide? What social value can be placed on incorporating non-hierarchical, dynamic and flexible public spaces into high-rise building design, and what impact does it have on the appeal and functionality of the building? This case study reveals that the design and operation of public places can bring diverse groups of users together by providing opportunities for interaction, engagement, expression and community-building. This study supports improved design/project briefings and promotes new market opportunities for innovative, regenerative vertical urban villages that incorporate flexible, engaging public spaces for community to thrive. Providing end-user benefits for a more diverse community than is typically seen in traditional architectural brief formulation, U City showcases the versatility that can be incorporated into building design to create highly functional, multipurpose, socially engaging and highly valued collective spaces.