The "Windows": Facilitating Social Interaction in New Zealand Urban Apartments

Apartment living is one of the residential strategies to solve the problem ofpopulation growth and land loss in the process of urbanization. While apartmentsare increasingly important in the process, most face quality issues in the livingenvironment: the communal space is likely to be small, dark, and enclosed. Theytend to have fewer outdoor or shared courtyard spaces. Compared with theother categories of houses, the apartment neighbourhood has lost the space forcommunication, and the children have lost their childhood play area.

The purpose of this research is to understand the communal environment ofurban apartments in New Zealand and explore how to improve the qualityof these apartments through design. This research analyses the spatialcharacteristics of local lifestyles and neighbourhood communication, as wellas endows designs that generate new possibilities, and adjusts them betweenempirical observations and possible theoretical predictions. Then it simulatescommunal area environments through design models, analyses relevantinfluencing factors for the space quality, and identifies intervention measuresto facilitate social interaction. This research explores the related theories andprecedents design practices to improve the atmosphere and experience ofapartment common spaces. The focus of this research is on the edges of thecommunal space of urban apartments in Wellington. The use of sustainablearchitectural interventions provides more comfortable communal spaces forcommunication in neighbourhoods. The design exploratory makes a refreshingcontribution to the harmonious relationship among the communities, the citiesand social interaction.