The Power of Talk
Creating Space for Social Interaction to Build Stress-Resilience
Aurora Engfeldt
auroraengfeldt@gmail.com Master Thesis, Spring 2020.
Word count:
8671
Master Program:
Studio 13, Place and Identity: Exploring conditions in-between Master’s Program in Architecture and Urban Design
Umeå University arch.umu.se Course:
5AR522 Tutors:
Amalia Katopodis Sara Thor
Tom Dobson Andrew Belfield Examiners:
Robert Mull Sangram Shirke
Introduction ... 1
Point of Departure: Fall Semester Thesis Report ... 1
The Issue of Negative Stress ... 1
Local Context of Umeå ... 3
The role of architecture ... 4
Thesis question ... 4
Methodology ... 4
Theoretical Framework ... 5
Themes and Tools for Preventing Negative Stress ... 5
The Power of Talk ... 5
The Power of Nature ... 7
The Power of Knowledge ... 9
Talk as an Architect’s Tool ... 10
Primary Research and Aspects Learned ... 11
Mapping of the Student Association Umeå Studentradio ... 11
Creating the Pratpauspodden Podcast ... 12
Talking with Umeå Municipality ... 15
Student Health Day at Umeå University ... 16
Proposal: Prat & Paus ... 17
Identifying the Main Design Themes ... 17
City Scale Concept ... 18
Building Program ... 19
Prat & Paus in the Context of Umeå ... 20
Actors ... 20
Site ... 20
Program ... 22
Potential adaptations ... 23
Bibliography ... 27 Appendices ... 29
List of Figures
Figure 1: Mappings of Umeå studentradio. ... 12
Figure 2: Umeå studentradio, spatial aspects learned. ... 12
Figure 3: Podcast sessions overview. ... 14
Figure 4: Podcast sessions, spatial aspects learned. ... 14
Figure 5: Illustration of talking to Umeå Municipality. ... 16
Figure 6: Umeå Municipality, spatial aspects learned. ... 16
Figure 7: Student Health Day, spatial aspects learned. ... 17
Figure 8: All collected spatial aspects. ... 18
Figure 9: Diagram of the city scale concept. ... 19
Figure 10: The levels of social interaction program. ... 20
Figure 11: Prat & Paus project site plan. ... 22
Figure 12: Program bubble diagram. ... 23
Figure 13: Program integrated in plan. ... 23
Figure 14: Proposal illustration. ... 25
1
Introduction
Point of Departure: Fall Semester Thesis Report
This master thesis is a continuation of the fall semester’s thesis report1. The report explores the possibility of social interaction as a remedy for negative stress and how it is applied in
architecture. Stress, as a natural human function, is intended to be to our advantage.
However, long-term exposure of stress, sometimes referred to as ‘negative stress’, can lead to mental health issues2. While exploring the positive effects of social interaction on negative stress, the fall report further explores how social interaction has changed in the digital age, digital tools being both an advantage and disadvantage3. By creating a set of podcast sessions, the initial primary research partly explores how the digital tool of the podcast could facilitate physical social interaction. At the same time, podcast sessions explored how different spatial conditions would influence conversation4. In session, spatial aspects in favor of social interaction and stress relief were discussed. Similar aspects were found when analyzing two case studies, Erith Lighthouse and Passage 56 – projects where the
architectural strategies of community building and temporary activation of space facilitated social interaction, reflection and connection between people.
The Issue of Negative Stress
Compared to other countries, people living in Sweden seem to be relatively happy. In the World Happiness Report 2019, Sweden ranked in the top ten.5 Simultaneously, mental health issues are becoming increasingly problematic in Sweden. Between 2010 and 2017 the amount of sick leaves increased by 80%. Of this increase, 60% was due to mental health issues.6 Sick leaves leads to a huge economic loss for the Swedish population. Mental health related sick leaves alone cost Sweden 30,7 billion SEK in 20187. Currently, almost half of the sick leaves in Sweden are due to mental health issues, of which 41% is represented by diagnosis F43, diagnoses of reactions to negative stress and adaptability disorders. This diagnosis constitutes 20% of all sick leaves in total.8
1 Appendix C.
2 Hansen. Skärmhjärnan : hur en hjärna i osynk med sin tid kan göra oss stressade deprimerade och ångestfyllda, 29- 31.
3 Gospic. Hjärnbalans: digital detox i en uppkopplad vardag, 146-147.
4 Appendix B and C.
5 Helliwell, J, Layard, R & Sachs, J. World Happiness Report 2019, Report/New York: Sustainable Development Solutions Network, 2019. https://worldhappiness.report/ed/2019/ (Retrieved 2020-03-02)
6 Stressforskningsinstitutet, Psykisk ohälsa bakom ökade långtidssjukskrivningar,
Stressforskningsinstitutet Stockholms universitet, 2017, https://www.stressforskning.su.se/omoss/
press-nyheter/nyheter/psykisk-ohälsa-bakom-ökade-långtidssjukskrivningar- 1.322619?cache=%2Fmism (Retrieved 2019-10-08).
7 Skandia. Sverige förlorar 64 miljarder på sjukskrivningar. Skandia 2017. 2019. https://www.skandia.se/sjuknotan (Retrieved 2020-02-12).
8 Försäkringskassan. Psykisk ohälsa bakom nästan hälften av alla pågående sjukskrivningar. Försäkringskassan. 2017.
https://www.forsakringskassan.se/!ut/p/z0/LcixCoAgEIDhZ2lwjFMagjbfQlziyKMkPY8Ue_0cmn6-
2
Mental health related sick leaves were between 2010 and 2015 most common in the age group 30-399. Interestingly, the previous age group 16-29, showed in a 2018 survey the highest percentages in experiencing stress and anxiety. Percentages reaching 26% respectively 52%.10 Similarly to young adults, students also report high percentages in experiencing stress and anxiety, percentages reaching 31%, respectively 52%11.
There is no clear answer as to why young adults’ mental health issues has increased in recent years. However, there is an emerging pattern of different studies showing a correlation between the increase in youth mental health issues, and the increase in use of digital
devices.12 Time spent on digital devices competes with time spent on important health aspects such as sleep, physical activity and social interaction.13 This, in addition to other potentially negative aspects, is briefly discussed in the thesis report14.
The decreased mental well-being among young adults and students is alarming, since both of these groups are in the beginning of their lives and careers, and thus important groups in order to have a well-functioning future workforce in Sweden. Focusing on preventing negative stress among these target groups, could therefore play an important role in efforts to create long term stress-resilience and to reduce mental health issues.
Currently, in the work to prevent the vast variety of mental health issues, there are many different actors and ongoing projects. The Stress Research Institute, Public Health Agency, Swedish Work Environment Authority, Mind, Uppdrag Psykisk Hälsa, Swedish Brain Fund and the Swedish National Association for Social and Mental Health are some. Much of the work include research, monitoring, policy making, raising awareness, treatment, support,
information and education. These measures are all vital to support already exposed individuals, understanding the issue, and improving stress preventive frameworks. However, preventive measures could ideally be directly implemented much earlier among the target groups where it is most effective. Program and space for such measures, with its relevance to play a more visual and natural part in society, could provide users what digital space cannot – a solid space for all senses designed to facilitate prevention of negative stress.
Hzw48Iw9nthiYUzD7j3yJtguZRar9FG4EbdK-0NVCtfYSWkZqH8yhUAJORCPk2ezGm00yG2nD7-QCkQ!/ (Retrieved 2020- 02-10)
9 Försäkringskassan. Korta analyser 2017:1. Report/Försäkringskassan: Avdelning för analys och prognos, 2017.
https://www.forsakringskassan.se/!ut/p/z0/PcmxDoJADADQb3HoeLkzbm7E- AO6EBZSTYVa6F3aA8Pf48T48mIX29gprjxg5aw4_d3-
3vO1YB3hfGkg3bJW0vq89w_yktV5JUjFyB2Sfxf5ZHMUYx1IIVWaMRTfhF1CHnFyhGTLy1jCcUfFIs1pB1gTDwQ!/ (Retrieved 2020-03-02)
10 Folkhälsomyndigheten. Statistik psykisk hälsa. 2019-12-11.
https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/livsvillkor-levnadsvanor/psykisk-halsa-och-suicidprevention/statistik-psykisk- halsa/ (Retrieved 2020-01-09).
11 Ibid.
12 Bergman Nutley. Distraherad: hjärnan, skärmen och krafterna bakom, 131-133.
13 Hansen. Skärmhjärnan : hur en hjärna i osynk med sin tid kan göra oss stressade deprimerade och ångestfyllda, 142-144.
14 Appendix C.
3
Local Context of Umeå
The local context of this thesis will be Umeå, the largest city in northern Sweden. Umeå has approximately 129 900 inhabitants, of which around 34 800 are students.15 The large student body could explain why Umeå’s average age of 39 years, is relatively low16. The young population makes Umeå interesting for this thesis in terms of target group for preventing negative stress. The county of Västerbotten, of which Umeå is part, has similar results as the Swedish national average with mental health related sick leaves. However, Umeå as a
municipality has slightly higher sick leave numbers because of diagnosis F43, representing 22%
of the total sick leave.17 Working to prevent mental health issues in Umeå, there are several actors involved, for instance Umeå Municipality, Student Health Services and The Youth Clinic.
Umeå Municipality run several projects. One strategy aimed at a young target group, is the municipality’s effort Unga18, a survey aimed at students aged 13-18. This survey helps the municipality monitor youth mental health in schools and suggest actions where needed.18 The Student Health Service at Umeå University offers individual consultation, support, lecture and workshops during the academic year.19 They are often part of campus health projects such as the Student Health Day arranged every semester at Umeå University. Of all local actors, the Student Health Services’ informing and educational work, perhaps represent the earliest stage in the process of directly preventing negative stress in Umeå.
Finally, The Youth Clinic offers support and treatment to young adults aged 16-2220. However, in an interview made by Swedish Television, employees at The Youth Clinic highlighted the great need for more preventive actions in the area of youth mental health, explaining how young adults need help to access tools that enable them to handle stressful life periods.21 Research on how to integrate and improve youth mental health service in youth clinics, is currently performed at Umeå University.22
15Umeå kommun. Kommunfakta. Umeå kommun. 2020.
https://www.umea.se/umeakommun/kommunochpolitik/kommunfakta.4.bbd1b101a585d704800061691.html (Retrieved 2020-03-03)
16 Ibid.
17 Försäkringskassan. Statistik om sjukpenning och rehabiliteringspenning. Försäkringskassan. 2019.
https://www.forsakringskassan.se/statistik/sjuk/sjuk-och-rehabiliteringspenning (Retrieved 2020-02-10)
18Umeå kommun. Ungas hälsa. Umeå kommun. 2019.
https://www.umea.se/umeakommun/kommunochpolitik/manskligarattigheter/folkhalsa/ungashalsa.4.57b91f50142c 2573434189b.html (Retrieved 2020-02-24)
19 Umeå universitet. Studenthälsan. Umeå universitet. https://www.umu.se/student/vi-hjalper-dig/studenthalsan/
(Retrieved 2020-02-24)
20 UMO. Ungdomshälsan Umeå. UMO. https://www.umo.se/hitta-mottagning/vasterbottens-lan/ungdomshalsan- umea/ (Retrieved 2020-02-24)
21 Assmundsson, Mikael. Psykisk ohälsa bland unga ökar – här räcker personalen inte till. SVT Nyheter. 2019-03-18.
https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/vasterbotten/psykisk-ohalsa-bland-unga-okar-har-racker-personalen-inte-till (Retrieved 2020-02-24)
22 Umeå University. How can mental health care services be integrated in youth clinics? A health policy and systems study. Umeå University. https://www.umu.se/en/research/projects/how-can-mental-health-care-services-be- integrated-in-youth-clinics-a-health-policy-and-systems-study/ (Retrieved 2020-03-02)
4
Research within this area is clearly needed as current measures are not sufficient enough to prevent negative stress among young adults and students. Perhaps this is where the gap can be found. How to create space and program for earlier common preventive measures, to help the target group build common stress-resilience, reducing the need for individual professional help.
The role of architecture
The entire issue of negative stress cannot be solved by architecture alone. However, as architecture is shaped by the needs and values of society, it is important that it takes its role in facilitating potential solutions for societal issues, from design in city planning to interior
environments. To prevent the issue of negative stress, preventive programs, strategies and activities will inevitably need such space to exist – architecture that is optimized for stress prevention and at the same time can answer to human comfort, accessibility and relatability.
Seeing a need for an increased focus on preventive measures rather than reactive
measures toward negative stress in society, this thesis will focus on the role of architecture and how it can assist in the matter. As previously indicated, the target group most relevant for long term improvement are young adults and students, since early stress prevention for these groups seems to be lacking. With an established target group, it is possible to architecturally investigate how the issue is prevented currently and learn from the spatial aspects found.
Furthermore, this thesis will investigate how space can be preventive without being perceived as a reactive space, such as a medical institution, as the point of prevention is to prevent users from becoming victims to negative stress. All of this aims at eventually decreasing the large amount of mental health related sick leaves in society, making society more socially sustainable and stress-resilient – stronger to solve larger issues of our time.
Aspects found during the process of this thesis can hopefully give clues on how to, as a first step, architecturally facilitate space for building stress-resilience, answering the following thesis question.
Thesis question
How can architecture facilitate social interaction for building stress-resilience to enhance a preventive approach rather than reactive approach toward negative stress health issues?
Methodology
In this thesis action-based and desk-based research has been made parallel to identify solutions and spatial aspects relevant for solving the issue in relation to local context.
5
The desk-based research has focused on collecting a theoretical framework to explain and analyze current research, actions and spatial conditions for preventing negative stress. The theory has in parallel been investigated through the action-based research of the podcast sessions, testing different spatial conditions and their influence on social interaction.
In addition, the action-based research has explored the perceived role of the architect, using talk as an architect’s tool to engage and learn from the local context through four different moments of engagement. This was made to understand and collect local aspects relevant for the project, as well as test, experience and discuss previous knowledge about stress, social interaction and space. The four moments included:
1. Mapping of Umeå studentradio – a student radio association at Umeå University.
2. Creating the Pratpauspodden podcast – informal interviews and platform for the target group to meet for discussing stress, rest and social interaction.
3. Visiting Umeå Municipality – discussing, sharing and learning about the issue.
4. Participating in Student Health Day – an existing measure to prevent negative stress.
The findings and aspects learned during these four moments can be found presented in the primary research.
Theoretical Framework
Themes and Tools for Preventing Negative Stress
Apart from establishing the issue of negative stress in society and the power of social interaction, the fall semester thesis report partly focuses on theory around the influence of digital space. As the thesis evolved, focus shifted to explore how architecture can facilitate space for preventing the issue of negative stress. The theoretical framework, in parallel to the primary research, is now focusing on three main aspects vital for creating such a space – corresponding to the thesis question. These three main aspects are: 1/ The power of social interaction, 2/ The power of nature and 3/ The power of knowledge.
The Power of Talk
The power of talk through social interaction is a necessity for survival that is deeply rooted in the human brain. Being isolated or excluded from other people historically meant a lower chance of survival, which has shaped the human brain to favor being around other people.
Therefore, human beings are genetically programmed to be social creatures, social
interaction being vital for our well-being, both physically and mentally.23 Human well-being is threatened when we are isolated for too long. Being socially isolated over time generates
23 Gospic, Den sociala hjärnan, 88-90.
6
negative stress in our brains, which in some cases can cause depression and other more serious physical health issues.24 As a comparison, being socially isolated can be as bad for our health as smoking fifteen cigarettes per day25.
The power of talk and social interaction is therefore vital to prevent negative stress. Once we socially interact and connect with other people, we start to sense coherence. Studies show that sense of coherence actually can work as a mediator for stress-resilience.26 This being practiced in for example England, where social interaction has even become a care method for people suffering from mental health issues. This is known as ‘social prescribing’. A social prescription gives the caretaker opportunity to talk to a ‘link worker’ who, based on the needs and interests of the caretaker, suggests a local community to join.27 This method helps the caretaker to be part of a community, eventually feeling more supported and less stressed thanks to the sense of coherence that being part of a community brings. Again, even though this method actually uses the power of social interaction to reduce stress, it is not used until after someone already is troubled. If there was knowledge and encouragement about this stress preventing measure much earlier in the process, more people would probably
remember to better value their time spent with other people in their community, and perhaps less would fall ill.
In city planning the preference for being around other people has been observed by both Whyte and Gehl. Gehl found that benches with views of activities and other people are more frequently used28, and that some people who go to the center with a logic motive such as to shop, actually do it to connect with other people29. To enhance social interaction in public space, there need to be motives to be there or activities to attend to. Whyte made this observation with food in the city. Food, as an activity, attracted people, which in turn attracted even more people resulting in a remarkable amount of social interactions30. According to Goffman, for new social interactions to happen, in general there need to be a reason to engage with one another31, such as an event or common activity. Therefore, it is important to consider such opportunities in planning, how to make these activities visible and how they can enable relationships between people. According to the book ‘A pattern language’, grouping similar activities in activity nodes around small public squares can help
24 Holt-Lunstad, J, TB Smith, JB Layton, & C Brayne, ‘Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review (Social Relationships and Mortality)’. in PLoS Medicine, 7, 2010, e1000316. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316
25 Holt-Lunstad, J, TB Smith, M Baker, T Harris, & D Stephenson, ‘Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality: A Meta-Analytic Review’. in Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10, 2015, 227–237. DOI:
10.1177/1745691614568352
26 Gee, Shauna L. Mc, Holtge, Jan, Maercker, Andreas, & Thoma, Myriam V., ‘Sense of Coherence and Stress-Related Resilience: Investigating the Mediating and Moderating Mechanisms in the Development of Resilience Following Stress or Adversity’. in Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 2018, 378. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00378
27 NHS England. Social prescribing. NHS UK. https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing/
(Retrieved 2020-03-30)
28 Gehl. Cities for people, 25.
29 Gehl. Life between buildings : using public space, 115-117.
30 Whyte. The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces, 52-53.
31 Goffman. Behavior in public places : notes on the social organization of gatherings, 124.
7
intensify the use of that node. Then similar people will use that node at similar times of day, enabling potential new relationships to form32.
On a building level, the way the spaces are organized can influence social interaction. In the same book, examples of suggested architectural tools can be found. The first experience of entering the building is important. An entrance should stand out and be visible from the outside, making it clear where to enter.33 In relation to other rooms in the building, the
entrance should be the most public and accessible space of the building, creating a natural transition upon entering and a gradient to other more private rooms.34 Further softening the transition between outside and inside could be achieved through for instance lower sills and seating.35 The transition between spaces and social moments within the building is also important to consider. Elements such as wall openings36 or fixed inside windows could improve the overall quality of space, by for instance engaging a dead space, such as a corridor, connecting it visually to a more social space37. The main social space in a building should preferably be placed in a central location38 to make it more accessible for social interaction between the users of the building.
How a space is designed can also influence social interaction. Some elements to consider are variety in ceiling height39, wall softness40, visual connection, warm colors and furniture formation. Studies have shown that spaces providing a complete visual overview, are perceived as more spacious and social41. In addition, social interaction has been shown to be positively influenced by warmer temperatures. In turn, further studies show that when adding warm colors to a space, such as red, brown and orange, the space is perceived as warmer. This makes it advantageous to use warmer colors in a room intended for social interaction.42 Lastly, furniture can also influence social interaction. Social interaction is encouraged when furniture is organized in smaller groups that are relatively easy to move around, being flexible for changes in social constellation.43
The Power of Nature
32 Alexander, Ishikawa, Silverstein & Jacobson. A pattern language : towns, buildings, construction, 164-165.
33 Ibid. 544.
34 Ibid, 610-613.
35 Ibid, 1052.
36 Ibid, 893-895.
37 Ibid, 898-899.
38 Ibid, 618-621.
39 Ibid, 877-881.
40 Ibid, 1097-1098.
41 Sjövall & Gospic. Neurodesign : inredning för hälsa, prestation och välmående, 33-34.
42 Sjövall & Gospic. Neurodesign : inredning för hälsa, prestation och välmående, 102-105.
43 Sjövall & Gospic. Neurodesign : inredning för hälsa, prestation och välmående, 40-41.
8
In relation to social interaction, research shows that the power of nature positively influences how humans value their relationships to other people44, as well as the sense of belonging45. Perhaps this is related to nature’s long studied positive effect on human health and well- being, with its power to reduce stress as well as its restorative effects. One study, comparing the effects with two separate groups of young adults walking in a forest or an urban
environment, shows that the natural environment in comparison lowered participants’ heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol concentration and stress levels.46 This is partly because the human brain has mainly developed under the influence intensity of nature, and not in an urban, information intense, environment.47
Even though nature has such positive effects on health and performance, most people today live in an urban environment, spending most time inside. However, other studies show that natural elements implemented in urban environments still can provide positive effects. In designing health-related architecture, scientific studies support the aspect of visual
connection to natural environments since it has a positive effect on patients’ healing process.48 One example is the mainly UK distributed Maggie centers. These centers,
separately from medical treatment, supports the needs of cancer patients and their families during the treatment process. Architecturally, Maggie centers are separate structures
designed to bring hope and a more domestic atmosphere, with nature being a vital aspect.
Therefore, each room has a connection to nature, to remind cancer patients that they are still part of something living.49
Nature is not only beneficial in health treatment but also in health promotion. Simply living in a city with good access to natural environments can actually lower the risk of several
diseases, including anxiety and depression50. It is thus important that architects always include the natural aspect when planning city frameworks, as well as when designing on building scale, since most people spend the majority of their time inside. Research show that bringing nature inside can still provide its positive effects. In architecture, this can partly be done by considering natural light, inside vegetation and views to the outside.51 Since natural light is a
44 Weinstein, N, AK Przybylski, & RM Ryan, ‘Can Nature Make Us More Caring? Effects of Immersion in Nature on Intrinsic Aspirations and Generosity’. in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 35, 2009, 1315–1329. DOI:
10.1177/0146167209341649
45 Kuo, FE, WC Sullivan, RL Coley, & L Brunson, ‘Fertile Ground for Community: Inner-City Neighborhood Common Spaces’. in American Journal of Community Psychology, 26, 1998, 823–851. DOI: 10.1023/A:1022294028903
46 Lee, J, Y Tsunetsugu, N Takayama, B-J Park, Q Li, C Song, et al., ‘Influence of Forest Therapy on Cardiovascular Relaxation in Young Adults’. in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014, 2014, 7. DOI:
10.1155/2014/834360
47 Gospic, Hjärnbalans : digital detox i en uppkopplad vardag, 105.
48 Ulrich, Roger S., ‘View through a window may influence recovery from surgery.’ in Science, 224, 1984.
49 Maggie’s Keswick Jencks Cancer Caring Trust. Maggie’s Architecture and Landscape Brief. 8-11.
https://www.maggies.org/about-us/publications/ (Retrieved 2020-04-03)
50 Maas, J, RA Verheij, S de Vries, P Spreeuwenberg, FG Schellevis, & PP Groenewegen, ‘Morbidity is related to a green living environment’. in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 63, 2009, 967–973. DOI:
10.1136/jech.2008.079038
51 Largo-Wight, E, ‘Cultivating healthy places and communities: evidenced-based nature contact recommendations.’ in International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 21, 2011, 41–61, . DOI:
10.1080/09603123.2010.499452
9
scarce resource during the winter months in Sweden, it is important that other natural elements are implemented in the building. Simply having plants inside both improves air quality and the quality of human performance and well-being.52
The Power of Knowledge
What stimulates negative stress can be different depending on the individual. However, research show that what generally triggers negative stress are stimuli experienced as novel, unpredictable or uncontrollable53 – stimuli which inevitably will occur in many situations over a lifetime. To better prepare for such life events before they occur, the power of knowledge is essential in building stress-resilience. Studies show that learning about stress and coping techniques actually prevents negative stress and promotes positive mental health54. Accessing knowledge on stress prevention has become easier with today’s technology.
Without the direct involvement of someone else, we can anonymously browse the endless online world. However, navigating through the amount of information on the internet can be overwhelming. Therefore, taking part of a common physical lecture or workshop held by a professional might be a better way to learn. Even if it can be perceived as a larger leap, learning together with others enables the possibility to ask questions, share thoughts and experience that sense of coherence55 earlier mentioned.
On a city scale, some architectural tools found in the book ‘A pattern language’ suggest that by questioning how and where learning happens in a city, enhancing common learning becomes more about enriching different local knowledge and not just about the knowledge that is taught at schools.56 This creates a network of different knowledge and possibilities of learning57, which leads to the possibility to make knowledge more approachable and accessible in the physical realm. The book also suggest that knowledge held within
universities could be more integrated with the city. Seeing university spatially as a main core that disperse and merge with the rest of the city, making knowledge more available and open to the possibility that anyone can offer or take a class.58
On a building scale, the book suggests the consideration of the relation between the teacher and learners. The common learning space could for instance be arranged as a half- private enclosure, accompanied by supporting spaces such as group rooms and teacher’s
52 Lohr VL, Pearson-Mims H, Goodwin GK, ‘Interior plants may improve worker productivity and reduce stress in a windowless environment’. Journal of Environmental Horticulture. Vol. 14, nr.2, 1996:97-100.
53 Mason, JW, ‘A review of psychoendocrine research on the pituitary–adrenal cortical system’. Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine. Vol 30, nr. 5, 1968:576-607. DOI: 10.1097/00006842-196809000-00020
54 Van Daele, T, D Hermans, C Van Audenhove, & O Van Den Bergh, ‘Stress Reduction Through Psychoeducation: A Meta- Analytic Review’. in Health Education & Behavior, 39, 2012, 474–485. DOI: 10.1177/1090198111419202
55 Richardson, CG, & PA Ratner, ‘Sense of coherence as a moderator of the effects of stressful life events on health’.
in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 59, 2005, 979–984. DOI: 10.1136/jech.2005.036756
56 Alexander, Ishikawa, Silverstein & Jacobson. A pattern language : towns, buildings, construction, 102.
57 Ibid.
58 Ibid, 234.
10
office59. Other spatial aspects that can affect human senses and performance, such as room volume, furniture formation, nature, daylight and sound also need to be considered in spaces for learning. Different adaptions of a room’s volume can facilitate performance differently depending on task. Studies show that ceiling height can influence our way of thinking, more detail focused with lower ceilings, while more abstract with higher ceilings.60 How the room is furnished can further influence performance and participation. One study show that school desks placed in a semi-circle, rather than in rows, makes pupils more engaged and likely to ask questions.61 As earlier mentioned, natural elements can also improve performance in learning environments. Studies show that there is a significant positive difference in
performance among students that have access to natural views62 as well as daylight63. Sound is also an important aspect, as noise can lower productivity with up to 66%.64
Talk as an Architect’s Tool
There is great potential for architects in the tool of talk. Through talking, architects can engage with both communities and actors, raising questions relevant for discussion, and encourage communication between different groups in society. By doing so, architects may help all parties gain a deeper local knowledge and understanding of different issues,
perspectives and potential solutions, encouraging others to continue learning and engaging with their community. Unfortunately, this is not the generally perceived image of an
architect’s role in society.
However, some architectural practices see a potential in questioning the current viewed role of the architect. The London-based practice Public Works suggest that the architect has a potential to be involved in all phases of a project, not mainly in its design and build phase.
By engaging early in an identified community of interest, architects are able to facilitate the process of that community’s project quite thoroughly. Through their experience, they’ve identified seven tactics to do so, of which all relevant if this thesis project was to be realized.
Five of these tactics are particularly interesting as tactics to answer the thesis question; to help organize the community as a recognized group, occupying land for its purpose, physical building and networking to make the community more visible and create a future vision for the community.65 This type of process, where the architect is involved much earlier, enables communities to grow and become more resilient. Not only because the engagement of the
59 Ibid, 414-415.
60 Meyers-Levy, J, & R Zhu, ‘The Influence of Ceiling Height: The Effect of Priming on the Type of Processing That People Use’. in Journal of Consumer Research, 34, 174–186. DOI: 10.1086/519146
61 Marx, A, U Fuhrer, & T Hartig, ‘Effects of Classroom Seating Arrangements on Children's question-asking’. in Learning Environments Research, 2, 1999, 249–263. DOI: 10.1023/A:1009901922191
62 Sjövall & Gospic. Neurodesign : inredning för hälsa, prestation och välmående, 74.
63 Ibid, 100.
64 Ibid, 118.
65 Belfield, Andrew; adjunct lecturer at Umeå School of Architecture, Umeå University. Theatre, lecture, 2020-02-11.
11
architect facilitates communities to sustain, but also how such process invites more people to join. Which, by creating a stronger sense of coherence, also helps building resilience to negative stress.
Several projects made by Public Works have started as temporary projects, some merging and developing into something more permanent.66 Such strategy, of using the notion of temporality as a tool to test and learn what would potentially make a permanent project more relevant, has also been practiced by others. Erith Lighthouse, curated by The
Decorators and mentioned in the thesis report67, is another example. In this project, the three aspects of talk, nature and knowledge were all very present. This was made through
reconnecting Erith’s residents with the natural element of the river, creating a temporary community space programmed for different socially interactive activities. By using the power of talk, local knowledge about the project was then shared through their podcast ‘The Decorators On Air’.68 Documenting, and at the same time enabling a larger public realm to take part of the project.
Primary Research and Aspects Learned
Primary research was made in an explorative way, testing mainly the power of talk and social interaction, in parallel to the desk-based research. As the process continued, the powers of knowledge and nature were also explored as potential architectural tools. During the fall semester’s thesis report the focus was on moments engaging with the potential target group of young adults and students. The continuing work during the spring semester was spent focusing on moments engaging with potential actors and investigating already established preventive measures. Through the engagement in these contextual moments, different aspects were learned and concluded.
Mapping of the Student Association Umeå Studentradio
Within the target group of students and young adults, student associations play a vital part in creating the possibility to sense coherence, further building community and stress-resilience.
Being aware of this, the first part of the research was an observation and mapping of the student association Umeå studentradio (Umeå student radio) located at Umeå university. This association heavily depends on the power of talk, through creating radio and podcasts.
A full day of mapping the activities in the 36,8m2 association space was conducted. The rectangle shaped space included an enclosed studio, and was furnished to create zoned
66 Ibid.
67 Appendix C.
68 The Decorators. Erith Lighthouse. 2017-09. http://the-decorators.net/Erith-Lighthouse.
(Retrieved 2020-01-02).
12
spaces for entry, study, lounge, food and meeting. The morning was observed as more calm, with few people using the space mainly for studying. Lunch time was busy with people meeting and eating. In the afternoon, the space was fully occupied by different people engaged in a large variety of activities. In general, throughout the day the main activities in the space were social interaction, studying, learning, taking coffee breaks, eating, recording and editing. See figure 1 and 2 below.
Figure 1: Mappings of Umeå studentradio.
Figure 2: Umeå studentradio, spatial aspects learned.
Creating the Pratpauspodden Podcast
Following the mapping of the student association, an explorative podcast was created.69 Inspired by how podcasting, as a digital tool, could facilitate social interaction, the notion of the recording studio was brought out in public to gain local knowledge on the topic. This by using podcasting, a mediator between physical and digital space, as an architect’s tool to
69 Appendix A, Appendix B and Appendix C.
13
activate public spaces for social interaction. Approaching the target group of young adults and students, the intention of the podcast intervention “Pratpauspodden” was to engage discussion about stress and rest through social interaction. The aim was to create an actual possibility to socially interact, lessen stigma around stress, share thoughts and to observe different locations’ spatial influence on conversation. For further reading, see appendix C70. The podcast recording spaces were all different each time (See Fig.3). The first space was at a local bar with a warm color theme of red in its interiors. Furnitures were placed close
together with a variety ranging from couches to bar stools, most seats having a soft cushion.
People had access to food, drink and games. The bar was very busy with a variety of people of all ages. Many participants continued their discussions after the session was over.
The second space was at a regularly arranged creative art event for young adults at the art museum Bildmuseet. During these events you are invited to do something creative together with others. The space was bright, open and had a high ceiling. Coffee and snacks were provided by the curators. The working tables were large with seats situated tightly together.
There was a varied amount of people, as people came and went, but most were young adults.
The third space was originally going to be at a park in the center of the city, but due to the weather it was moved inside a local café. The space was full of people having lunch and/or coffee. Furniture was placed tightly in small groups with small movable tables. There were several levels in the space creating a variety in ceiling height. The red brick wall was exposed in the interior. Live music was provided by the café.
The fourth space was in a bridge pavilion by a lake. The weather was rather cold and with slight rain falling. Under the roof of the open pavilion there were two benches. Participants sat closely side by side on the bench facing the lake view. Several people passed the space;
walking a dog, fishing, biking, running or walking. Coffee and sweet bread was provided both by the moderator and the participants. After the recording session, the participants spontaneously all went to a sauna together.
The fifth space was at the student lunch tables by the open lecture theater at Umeå School of Architecture. The sun was low in the sky and shining in through the large windows. There was an open floor plan and several students passed during the recording. The ceiling height was high, measuring two levels. Participants sat around a big table made out of six small squared tables. Coffee and sweet bread was provided by the moderator and the session was photographed by an assisting colleague. Included in the participants was a member of staff.
Comparing the different spaces in terms of conversation, participants was observed to be most comfortable in the first and fourth space. In both the second and fourth space, the
70 Appendix C.
14
conversation was observed as calmer and more reflective. The conversation in the third space was observed as more rushed. Lastly, the conversation in the fifth space was observed as more formal and with a distracted flow. During these five podcast sessions, the main aspects discussed – and surfacing as the most important – were nature, access to food and drink, closeness to people, activities, events, learning, warmth, culture, physical activity, digital communication, and the influence of recording. (See Fig.4)
Figure 3: Podcast sessions overview.
Figure 4: Podcast sessions, spatial aspects learned.
15
Talking with Umeå Municipality
Continuing research during the spring semester, the power of talk was used to approach potential local actors, one of the main ones being Umeå Municipality. After establishing contact with the municipality through digital communication, one afternoon was spent at the city hall discussing public health with the public health strategist and the accessibility strategist. Concerns about mental health issues, negative stress, sick leaves, young adults and preventive measures were raised. The municipality shared their views and explained what responsibilities they have regarding these issues. These officials also shared some additional personal thoughts of the subject. Several municipal stress preventive projects were discussed, partly the already mentioned Unga18 survey, but also projects aimed at other target groups.
An interesting preventive strategy is the several meeting locations for seniors within the municipality. These spread-out social spaces all appear and run differently depending on location. What they have in common is that they all create accessible opportunities for seniors to socialize through different activities, lectures, workshops or simple coffee breaks,71 decreasing stress caused by loneliness and isolation. Potentially, this programmatic concept could be adaptable to the target group of this thesis.
Furthermore, aspects and dilemmas that the municipality often have to face in planning were discussed. Aspects concerning accessibility were for instance the sense of safety, equality, noise pollution and space variety. If there is a space for talking, there also needs to exist a space for silence and self-reflection. Aspects raised concerning public health were knowledge, physical movement and nature. Educating the public on health and promoting physical movement and connection to nature in the city through planning. Aspects which the proposal of this thesis potentially could learn from and facilitate for.
71Umeå kommun. Mötesplatser, träffpunkter. Umeå kommun. 2020.
https://www.umea.se/umeakommun/omsorgochhjalp/aldresenior/aktiviteterforseniorer/motesplatsertraffpunkter.4.4 0b4bae811ad401e2e180001410268.html (Retrieved 2020-02-24)
16 Figure 5: Illustration of talking to Umeå Municipality.
Figure 6: Umeå Municipality, spatial aspects learned.
Student Health Day at Umeå University
Student Health Day is an event at Umeå university organized every semester. For one day different lectures, workshops and activities regarding physical and mental health are arranged for students. During the spring semester of 2020 there was a health fair, drop in training as well as 23 in-program scheduled activities to participate in.72 Out of the scheduled activities, approximately 35% were related to mental health.
Participation as a student in four of these activities was completed to experience preventive measure already carried out by Umeå University, another potential local actor. The activities were as follows; a workshop in mindfulness by the Student Health Services, a massage workshop by the physiotherapist students, a lecture on stress and stress management by the Student Health Services and an aromatic sauna session at the bath house relax section.
72 Umeå School of Sport Sciences. Hälsa på campus. Umeå University, 2020. https://www.umu.se/en/umea-school-of- sport-sciences/halsa-pa-campus/ (Retrieved 2020-04-18)
17
The aspects learned during the student health day in relation to mental health were the importance of closeness to others, silence, learning, group activities, space variety, nature, digital communication, culture and physical activity. (See Fig.7)
An attempt to get an interview and collaborate with the Student Health Service was made.
Unfortunately, it was not possible since they claimed they had no time for interviews since they needed to spend all their time helping students with their health – which gives an indication of the relevance of the issue.
Figure 7: Student Health Day, spatial aspects learned.
Proposal: Prat & Paus
Based on the findings during desk-based research in parallel with primary research, the following architectural proposal ‘Prat & Paus’ will for this thesis’ issue suggest a potential architectural solution from city scale to building program.
Identifying the Main Design Themes
During primary research plenty of relevant aspects for space enhancing social interaction to prevent negative stress were discussed. Except for the already established theme of social interaction, out of all the aspects, knowledge and nature also recurred as important themes.
As also found in desk-based research, all of these three aspects had support in previous research to prevent negative stress, as well as existing architectural strategies to facilitate for them. This making them the most relevant aspects to focus on, finding the other aspects as subcategories supporting the three main themes.
18 Figure 8: All collected spatial aspects.
City Scale Concept
On city scale, this proposal suggests an architectural relationship between a central permanent structure and flexible mobile structures. (See Fig.9) A relationship similar to a mother ship and its pods, a restaurant and its food truck or a news agency and their corresponding journalists, enables the mobile unit to become an extended arm of the permanent unit. Similarly, to the primary research of pratpauspodden podcast, claiming spaces around the city for its podcast sessions, the mobile units becomes a flexible tool for activating new spaces around the city. This way the mobile structures can make stress preventing spaces more accessible in different locations, allowing users to influence where they should be placed. For example, a location in a more calming natural environment or as a pause on a more accessible daily route. Meanwhile, the permanent unit needs to be more thoughtfully placed to be easily accessible for the main actors and users.
By placing the mobile units in different locations, the mobile units can also complement the permanent unit with continued knowledge on spatial qualities learnt from being out in the field, changing the permanent unit accordingly over time. Correspondingly, the permanent unit can also change the mobile units to be used for spatial tests or user-engaged social activities set elsewhere.
This city scale concept, of the permanent and mobile, relates to the main themes through social interaction as the main activity, the exchange of knowledge between them and the possibility of extending to locations set in nature.
19 Figure 9: Diagram of the city scale concept.
Building Program
On building scale, the three main themes will also be present in both permanent and mobile structures. While the program in the mobile structures is more flexible depending on where they’re located, the program in the permanent structure will focus on the power of talk through different levels of social interaction. Depending on level, also integrating the other two main themes of nature and knowledge through the spatial tools learned in theory. The four levels of social interaction in the suggested building program are as follows; silent interaction, spontaneous interaction, participative interaction and shared engaged interaction. (See Fig.10)
The way the permanent building is designed to correspond to these levels of interaction, will depend on the context in which it is placed, with for instance room types being adapted accordingly. This gives the program equally as much potential in being implemented as a new structure, as well as being implemented in an existing structure. As learned in theory, when adjusting the spatial relation between the levels within program, the spatial gradient of intimacy will be used – the more engaged interaction, the more private the spaces will become. This affects their placement in relation to each other, to supporting functions and to the entrances.
20 Figure 10: The levels of social interaction program.
Prat & Paus in the Context of Umeå
Actors
In the context of Umeå, targeting its large body of students and young adults, the proposed main actors for the project Prat & Paus are Umeå University and Umeå Municipality. When using the power of talk to approach these actors in primary research, it was made clear that they both would be suitable actors for the project. As main actors, it would enable their many sub-networks of associations and organizations associated with the target group to use the facilitated space for different social interactive activities. This way it can help gather these early stress preventing measures together with different associations and their community coherences, enabling potential future collaborations to happen.
Site
With the concept’s mobile structures being flexible to change location, the permanent Prat &
Paus structure would need to be more thoughtfully placed within the Umeå context. Learning from the aspects found in the research, the chosen site should enable the proposal to be visible in an accessible activity node, where people frequently pass and have reason to
21
interact and linger. Also, this making the stress preventive knowledge that the proposal provides more available, inviting and merged in the city.
In context, the proposal suggests the use of an existing building located at the
Renmarkstorget square in the city center. While facilitating for social sustainability, this choice also facilitates environmental sustainability by using what already exists, as well as being careful in the choice of new materials when adapting the building. The existing project building is an old 80s pavilion placed in the northern part of the Renmarkstorget square (see fig.11), creating a shield towards a vehicular street where buses pass every five minutes. The paved Renmarkstorget square is only open for pedestrians and is spatially divided by the city center’s main pedestrian shopping street. On the southern part of the square there is an art fountain, around which several outdoor restaurant extensions are built in summer. The north part of the square, of which the project building is part, includes an avenue of trees, bike parking, a public bathroom, a speaker’s corner and space for public events. In this area many food trucks gather, since it is one of the most central locations where food trucks are allowed and provided with electricity.73 In relation to theory, this site is suitable since it is an accessible activity node with plenty of opportunity for people to socially interact and linger, with social activities around cafés, restaurants, services and stores. As these points of
attraction are mainly commercial, this gives the Prat & Paus project opportunity to
complement the activity node with non-commercial social activities. Placing it there would also visualize and give stress preventive space its righteous attention in the public realm.
73 Umeå Kommun. Foodtrucks. Umeå Kommun, 2019.
https://www.umea.se/umeakommun/trafikochinfrastruktur/torgochallmannaplatser/tillstandochregler/forsaljning/foo dtrucks.4.7caabf5615275f18c50288a5.html (Retrieved 2020-04-20)
22 Figure 11: Prat & Paus project site plan.
Program
The suggested program of the four levels of interaction integrates into the permanent building based on the local context. The first level of silent interaction becoming a silent shared library, for this purpose seen as a reflective moment connected to knowledge. The second level of spontaneous interaction wound be a flexible entry lounge space, seen as a welcoming moment, a meeting point for open conversation and a transition between social moments and the outside, connecting with nature. The third level of participative interaction would be group activity rooms, seen as spaces for different types of learning together through lectures, engagement in associations or workshops, bringing the positive effects of natural elements into the learning environment. Lastly, the fourth level of shared engaged interaction would be the podcast studios, seen as spaces for engaging conversation and sharing of knowledge to the digital dimension. The diagram (fig.12) below pictures the relation between the different spaces shown in color, the supporting functions shown in grey
23
and the levels of privacy, following is figure 13 communicating how the program could be distributed on the existing plans.
Figure 12: Program bubble diagram.
Figure 13: Program integrated in plan.
Potential adaptations
Here follow some of the changes that could be made to adapt the identified existing structure. Adapting this building, the major changes seen as being made to the building’s lower south part facing the square. Based on the spatial tools in the theoretical framework,
24
this part of the building has most potential to be adapted to facilitate for the proposed program.
Being on the sunny side, the south side of the building has the potential to include the main entrance and enhance the communication with the surrounding site activities. The entrance moment, mentioned in the theoretical framework, can be applied to create that transition.
Being on the sheltered sunny side, this can partly be made through seating by the entrance façade, lower sills creating larger windows providing more daylight and natural elements transitioning into the entrance space.
The paved square in front of the building offers a potential parking space for the mobile units when they are not used. This space gives the building the potential to expand by using that additional space of the mobile units, possibly even having them connect to its façade.
The spatial tool of different ceiling heights can also be implemented in the changed south part of the building. Changing the ceiling height would enable visual and physical
connections from the dark corridors of the building into the flexible lounge space. This would make the circulation more visible, facilitating building orientation and enhancing the flexible lounge space as the main common social space in the building.
To bring daylight, learned to be an advantage in learning environments, to the basement floor, window wells can be implemented where possible. As the south group activity room also is a bomb shelter with interesting characteristics, the window wells should only be implemented in the north facing group activity room. In front of the north façade there is a local bus stop with buses leaving every five minutes. To give this side of the building, with its back entrance, a connection and transition to the public, these window wells can be designed to be a combined seating area for people waiting for the bus.
These are just some examples of how to apply the spatial tools in the theoretical framework.
By using the spatial tools learned in the theoretical framework, in combination with the aspects learnt from the mobile units, the building can further adapt to facilitate for the three main themes that helps prevent stress in different ways.
