︎ Go Green: The Social Diag
How can we create a more functional, accessible, and social greenspace?
By Rucha Chitale︎, Taylor Valentine ︎, Emily Yi ︎
Map comparing current permanent outdoor seating spaces to potential seating spaces in the Diag.
Hypothesis
If we put more functional, accessible and social seating in high traffic outdoor greenspaces like the Diag, people will be more inclined to spend time outdoors among their peers, improving physical, cognitive and social health.
If we put more functional, accessible and social seating in high traffic outdoor greenspaces like the Diag, people will be more inclined to spend time outdoors among their peers, improving physical, cognitive and social health.
Why
Today, people spend most days indoors, so functional, attractive, outdoor spaces are necessary to bring people outside. On the UofM campus, outdoor areas, like the Diag, lack permanent and accessible seating spaces, especially in rain or snow. The Diag is a high-traffic green space and central location for students and community members, making it an ideal point of decision.
How
By building small clusters of seating and table spaces on the Diag, the local community--especially students, disabled people, and older adults can enjoy the outdoors more. Covering some of these seating spaces would also expand the seasonal use of the Diag.
What
The furniture could be designed, built, and painted by students and other local community members, which would increase the community engagement with the project and space.
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Examples of community and student-commissioned
artwork on benches to engage the community and integrate community identity into the project.
Heavy wooden furniture would allow for permanence, a good canvas, and easy construction.
So What
This project would expand opportunities for people to socialize, play, eat, and work outdoors. Going outside, even just for short work sessions or social interactions, improves physical and mental health, which are especially important for students amidst the stress of their classes, and for older adults who need public social spaces within a walkable area in their neighborhood.
Today, people spend most days indoors, so functional, attractive, outdoor spaces are necessary to bring people outside. On the UofM campus, outdoor areas, like the Diag, lack permanent and accessible seating spaces, especially in rain or snow. The Diag is a high-traffic green space and central location for students and community members, making it an ideal point of decision.
How
By building small clusters of seating and table spaces on the Diag, the local community--especially students, disabled people, and older adults can enjoy the outdoors more. Covering some of these seating spaces would also expand the seasonal use of the Diag.
What
The furniture could be designed, built, and painted by students and other local community members, which would increase the community engagement with the project and space.
Examples of community and student-commissioned
artwork on benches to engage the community and integrate community identity into the project. Heavy wooden furniture would allow for permanence, a good canvas, and easy construction.
So What
This project would expand opportunities for people to socialize, play, eat, and work outdoors. Going outside, even just for short work sessions or social interactions, improves physical and mental health, which are especially important for students amidst the stress of their classes, and for older adults who need public social spaces within a walkable area in their neighborhood.
Mockup of the Diag, with people sitting on different arrangements of seatings, solar charging stations, and sections with grass pavers (Bottom Left) that are wheelchair accessible.
The Link Between Design and Outcomes
Versatility: Design flexible seating arrangements that can accommodate various activities, from studying and socializing, to group meetings and events, increasing options visible at the point of decision.
Comfortable and Diverse Seating Options: Provide a variety of seating options to cater to different preferences, including benches, picnic tables, lounge chairs, and movable seating arrangements.
Shade and Shelter: Incorporate shade structures, pergolas, or large umbrellas to offer protection from the sun and light rain. This makes the seating areas usable in different weather conditions.
Accessibility: Ensure that seating areas are accessible to individuals with disabilities, with features such as grass block pavers, smooth and level pathways, and wheelchair-accessible tables.
Technological Integration: Include amenities like charging stations, Wi-Fi access, or solar-powered charging tables to support students’ digital needs while outdoors.
Community Engagement: Create spaces that can host events, performances, outdoor classes, or exhibitions to foster community engagement and cultural activities. This further designates the Diag as a space intended to socialize and connect with community, setting norms for expected behaviors and interactions (i.e. affordances). Also supported by engagement through co-creation and design of the furniture itself.
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Works Cited
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Mustafa, Faris, and Danoon, Maysa. “Effect of Common Outdoor Spaces on Social Interaction: The Case of College of Engineering Campus at Salahaddin University – Erbil, Iraq.” Journal of University of Babylon for Engineering Sciences, 2020, 229–238.
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Ozdemir, Aydin, and Yilmaz, Oguz. “Assessment of outdoor school environments and physical activity in Ankara’s primary schools.” Journal of Environmental Psychology, vol.28, no.3, 2008, 287–300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2008.02.004.
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Pezeshkpoor, Zhila. “The role of movability on campus outdoor furniture.” Kansas State University, 2020. https://krex.k-state.edu/handle/2097/40606.
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Salama, Ashraf. “Design Intentions and Users Responses: Assessing Outdoor Spaces of Qatar University Campus.” Open House International, vol. 34, no.1, 2009, 82–93. https://doi.org/10.1108/OHI-01-2009-B0010.