Chanais Wharton F017183

Proposed Project Outline

Project Title
Rebuilding social connec ons through placemaking: Exploring the impact of social disconnec on on
quality of life, the role of community, and the psychology of place
Aim
My aim is to examine the growing social disconnec on among people and its detrimental e ects on
mental and physical health, and overall quality of life.
I will focus on the signi cance of community and highlight its undervalued role in society as a
poten al solu on to these issues. I will also explore the psychology of place and inves gate how
urban environments contribute to feelings of loneliness. The following quote by American
psychiatrist Edward Hallowell summarises the inspira on for my research: "Never in human history
have our brains had to work with so much informa on as they do today... We have a genera on of
people who are so busy processing the informa on received from all direc ons that they are losing
the ability to think and feel."
Objec ves
Firstly, I will review current knowledge and exis ng literature on the topic of social disconnec on,
exploring the causes and e ects on mental and physical health, as well as overall quality of life.
Secondly, I will inves gate the e ects of community involvement in mi ga ng the nega ve impacts
of social disconnec on. I will compare and contrast di erent approaches to community-building and
analyse their e ec veness in fostering social connec ons and addressing feelings of loneliness (such
as the use of ‘third spaces’).
Addi onally, I intend to explore the psychology of place and examine how urban environments
contribute to the experience of social disconnec on. Ques on whether it is possible to maintain the
posi ve aspects of the diverse, colourful, and busy ci es – whilst priori zing human connec on and
the need to belong. This examina on will delve into the ways in which large corpora ons capitalize
on our insecuri es and desire to belong, which therefore increases our lack of social connec on in
society.
Through this inves ga on, I aim to develop a deeper understanding of the rela onship between
place, community, and social connec ons. I will propose recommenda ons for placemaking
strategies that priori ze human connec on.
Methodology/ References from literature
"The Great Good Place: Cafes, Co ee Shops, Bookstores, Bars, Hair Salons, and Other Hangouts at
the Heart of a Community" by Ray Oldenburg

This book explores the concept of "third places" and the role they play in fostering social interac on,
community building, and a sense of belonging.

ti
ti
ti
ti

ti
ff
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
fi
ti
ff

ff
ff
ti
ti
ti

ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ff

ti

ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ff
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti

ti
 Chanais Wharton F017183

"Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging" by Sebas an Junger

In this book Junger explores the concept of tribe and its relevance to human nature. He discusses the
challenges faced by veterans returning from war and highlights the sense of belonging they o en
experience in the military. Although the aim of my project is not speci cally about war veterans, it
discusses many themes that are relevant to my project. Such as the historical and evolu onary
aspects of human tribalism. He discusses the strong bonds formed within tribal socie es and how
these bonds contribute to the well-being and cohesion of the group.
"The Death and Life of Great American Ci es" by Jane Jacobs
A more architectural/urban planning related source, which gives realis c solu ons to the problems
discussed in the previous two sources. Jane Jacobs emphasizes the need for diverse and mixed-use
neighbourhoods, streets centred around the pedestrian (not vehicles), and the preserva on of
exis ng buildings and urban fabric.
ti
ti
ti

fi
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ft