Identifying design elements in public spaces conducive to the engagement of youth in social interaction

Abstract

The role of public spaces in generating and encouraging interaction among people has been established by various studies. However, in the present urban cities, social media is gradually taking over the role of public spaces, in serving as a platform for interaction. The allure of the virtual world is driving our youth towards an introverted indoor based lifestyle, who prefer to stay detached from the realities of the outdoor world. Considering the present context, this study aims at identifying features or elements in the built environment that can attract the youth to spend time in public spaces and engage in interaction with the people they meet in these spaces. Using open ended discussion with, and behavior observations of young adults in public spaces in NIT Rourkela campus, the study analyses how they perceive and respond to the elements in the public spaces. The findings shall help in planning and design of public spaces in cities to encourage and engage the youth in outdoor social interactions.