Tackling Loneliness Through Salutogenic and Inclusive Urban Design (OsloMet – HV)
Background
Loneliness is a growing public health concern, with far-reaching implications for mental and physical well-being. Research highlights the importance of social connections in fostering healthier, more equitable communities. Urban spaces, when thoughtfully designed, can play a critical role in reducing loneliness by creating environments that promote interaction and inclusivity.
This project explores how Salutogenic Design, an approach focused on creating environments that promote health and well-being, can help address loneliness. Salutogenic design prioritizes elements that reduce stress, foster resilience, and encourage meaningful connections by enhancing the physical and social dimensions of spaces. The goal is to create environments that actively support people’s health and social needs, particularly in reducing isolation.
Project aim
To investigate how urban design, guided by Salutogenic Design principles, can reduce loneliness by fostering connection, inclusivity, and accessibility in public and semi-public spaces.
Hypotheses
Urban spaces designed with Salutogenic principles reduce feelings of loneliness and promote well-being.
Inclusive design elements, such as accessibility and age-friendly features, foster stronger social bonds in communities.
Small, low-cost modifications to public spaces can significantly enhance opportunities for interaction and connection.
Proposed themes
Students can explore one or more of the following themes:
Themes:
- Strategies for creating “third spaces” (e.g., parks, community centers) that encourage connection through salutogenic principles.
- The impact of small-scale urban design modifications (e.g., interactive art, playful elements like hopscotch or sports zones) on reducing loneliness.
- Challenges in designing inclusive spaces that meet the needs of diverse populations (e.g., different ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds).
Research Questions:
- How do Salutogenic Design principles enhance social interactions and reduce loneliness?
- What low-cost, scalable design modifications foster stronger connections in urban neighborhoods?
- What are the specific barriers to creating inclusive, welcoming public spaces, and how can they be overcome?
Data and resources
- Case studies on urban design initiatives inspired by salutogenic principles.
- Interviews with urban planners, community members, and organizations focused on social inclusion.
- Observational research in existing third spaces (e.g., parks, libraries, markets) to identify successful salutogenic design features.
Relevant for
The project aligns with the following study tracks:
- Social Work: Examining how salutogenic urban design improves community health and reduces isolation.
- Family Therapy: Investigating how shared spaces enhance family and community connections.
- Nordic Social Policy and Global Sustainable Development / MIS: Comparing global approaches to salutogenic urban design in addressing loneliness.
The project framework allows flexibility in defining the specific context or population of interest, enabling students to tailor their focus to their academic and personal interests within the broader theme of urban design and loneliness.
The project can accommodate 1–2 students. Language is Norwegian or English.
Contact person
Parisa Gazerani, PharmD, PhD, Professor
Pilestredet 50, 0167 Oslo, Office number: L239
Office: +47 672 35 397
E-mail parisaga@oslomet.no
Webpage
https://www.oslomet.no/en/about/employee/parisaga
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0109-3600