An Architecture for Social Participation

Abstract

A large and growing number of Canadian seniors are socially isolated. People’s appetite for group activities remains unfulfilled due to a lack of convenient and compelling opportunity. Introducing small-scale, locally relevant gathering places within existing neighbourhoods would support seniors aging in place and contribute toward an age-friendly community. Research into Ray Oldenburg’s concept of third place informs the creation of a best practices guide for the design of local destinations for social participation. The guide is then referenced for my design proposal of a gathering place in my Toronto neighbourhood.