Project Title:
The Fremantle Co-nnection
Problem Summary:
We live in an increasingly disconnected society. As all lives become digitised and technology allows us to communicate and create networks more advanced and faster than ever before, we’ve simultaneously become less engaged with each other and our surroundings. Social transactions are often mediated through apps and websites, and suffer from the distractions and diminished attention span of the Internet generation. This shift in the social dimension of our society impacts culture, as well as individual health and happiness. Research shows a positive correlation between various kinds of social engagement and mental wellbeing, and that creating environments that foster interaction, collaboration and trust (even between strangers) improves overall community wellbeing and happiness.
Previous initiatives and community happiness experiments have explored the beneficial outcomes of community collaborative projects in providing means for self-expression (through artistic endeavours), co-creation, co-operation and by building a sense of community, safety, generosity and trust (e.g. Happy Cities projects. http://www.thehappycity.com). Urban design must now re-focus the way public space is planned and developed to accomodate communal spaces to nurture social connectedness (feelings of belongingness), a factor which has proven to directly influence upon peoples happiness and engagement with society. Technological innovations in communication techniques (such as meetup apps, social networks) greatly facilitate any such initiatives, allowing a much larger and more integrated happy, healthy community.
In Western, capitalist culture it often feels like everything is associated with cost – happiness is not free! A well-functioning community however, is capable of organising free/affordable activities and programs that foster social engagement. A change in attitudes towards the economic dimension of social activity is necessary here to encourage community members to collaborate and share resources, maximise contribution and play to the strengths of everyone.
Over the past two or three decades Fremantle has suffered a loss of it’s unique and vibrant identity. Underlying social problems, economic stagnation, deteriorating tourism markets, amongst other things have left it feeling a bit dishevelled and worn out. To transform back into a healthy, happy city that’s rich in community and shared identity, Fremantle must focus on the re-design of public spaces to foster community-generated activities and projects and encourage citizens to engage in meaningful, productive social interaction.
Design Practices: Identity 