Social neighborhood: challenges and prospects

In today's urban environment, new buildings are becoming not only a symbol of urban development, but also a space for the formation of new social communities. However, residents of new residential complexes often remain socially isolated from each other, even if they live just a few meters away. ZEZMAN Holding explained why this happens and how to create a favorable social environment in new buildings using the example of the community in ARTVILLE.

What is a social neighborhood?

Social neighborhood is not only the fact of living together in a building or on the adjacent territory. It is the active interaction of residents: acquaintance, mutual assistance, joint participation in community service, cultural or volunteer initiatives. This is to prevent life from becoming a "my house is on the corner" kind of thing. Socially cohesive communities have a higher quality of life, less conflict, and a stronger sense of security.

Social isolation is common in new buildings due to the anonymity of the environment. Residents often do not know their neighbors because they do not have traditional points of contact, such as courtyards in older neighborhoods or shared basements. Young families, renters, or temporary residents often live there and do not have a deep emotional connection to the place. Also, people tend to avoid communication due to distrust or stereotypes about "outsiders".

ZEZMAN Holding explained how to promote social cohesion.

First, architecture matters. A well-thought-out layout of courtyards, the presence of common spaces such as playgrounds, benches, and recreation areas facilitates spontaneous acquaintances.

Secondly, to encourage the initiative of residents. Homeowners' associations, community events, clean-ups, chats in messengers - all of this helps to create horizontal connections.

Third, the role of the developer and the management company is important. It is not only necessary to rent apartments, but also to help create a comfortable social environment.

The benefits of a social neighborhood translate into security, as neighbors who know each other are more likely to notice suspicious activity. There is mutual assistance in everyday matters, from childcare to minor repairs. Emotional comfort is created, which reduces stress and promotes psychological well-being.

Photo: ZEZMAN Holding

Community at ARTVILLE

In today's world, it is important to find places where you can feel part of a community. The ARTVILLE residential community is a vivid example of how to create a comfortable environment for living and an active social neighborhood.

One of the main features of ARTVILLE is an active community of residents, which is formed through joint events and initiatives. These activities began even before the COVID-19 epidemic and the full-scale war. For example, it is worth mentioning ZEZMAN Community Day, a quarterly mass event in the capsule park where residents can meet, socialize and participate in various activities. For example, movie nights, mini-concerts, sporting events, and master classes for children and adults. In April, a dog party was held, where the town's dog owners trained with their pets and spent time together.

In addition to events, there should be an infrastructure for living together. ARTVILLE is designed to meet the needs of residents of different ages and interests. This function is fulfilled by the capsule park and ZEZMAN Hub, a coworking space on the territory of the town. And with this soft power, the residents have become a socially responsible community. They unite to improve their lives both within and outside the town. That is why the community responded to the military challenges with a strong and active spirit. Starting from fundraisers, charity auctions, and collecting their own belongings to help.

Photos from ZEZMAN Holding sports events

In the age of digital communications, in-home chats are also a mechanism for building community. It is not just a communication channel, but a platform for building trust and mutual assistance. Residents use chats both to get to know each other for the first time and to ask for help, for example, to borrow a tool or find support in times of crisis.

Talking about community is one thing, but experiencing it is quite another. Warmth, support, and reciprocity may not be felt on a daily basis, or may be forced. A good example is when people sang "Chervona Kalyna" from all the windows on New Year's Eve - this is an emotional moment when a person is sure that they are supported by their neighbors.

ARTVILLE is actively looking for residents who are ready to become community ambassadors, to join the organization of events and support initiatives aimed at the development of the town, because no one knows their own needs better than the residents.

Historical context of social neighborhoods

A social neighborhood encompasses not only physical proximity in space, but also social interactions: acquaintance, cooperation, trust, mutual assistance, shared responsibility for space and comfort of living. In other words, it is when a neighbor is not just someone who lives next door, but someone with whom you have a certain connection.

The idea is not new. It dates back to pre-industrial times, when most people lived in small communities where good neighborly relations were vital to survival. With the transition to industrial society and urbanization in the 19th and 20th centuries, these ties began to be lost as large cities promoted anonymity. The negative consequences of urban isolation were manifested by an increase in crime, a decline in public morality, and a deterioration in mental health.

In response to this, in the mid-20th century, urbanists, sociologists, and architects began to explore how to bring humanity back to cities. Architectural approaches are changing and we see that co-housing, community-living, and smart neighborhoods are becoming popular. In new buildings, more and more attention is paid to common areas, as well as digital platforms that help residents meet and interact.

Today, this phenomenon is actively used in urbanism and housing planning. However, there are not many bright examples of its implementation in Ukraine.

Олена Болган