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Assessment of Shared Spaces in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

Abstract

Shared spaces are important components of multi-unit residential buildings, providing opportunities for interaction, recreation, circulation, and collective activities among residents. Spaces such as communal courtyards, lounges, corridors, terraces, playgrounds, laundry areas, and multipurpose rooms can contribute to the social and functional quality of residential environments. However, poorly planned shared spaces may result in congestion, privacy conflicts, underutilization, and maintenance challenges. Assessing these spaces is therefore essential for understanding their contribution to residential building performance and occupant satisfaction. This study assesses the characteristics and effectiveness of shared spaces in multi-unit residential buildings. It examines factors such as location, size, accessibility, spatial configuration, visibility, seating provision, landscaping, lighting, and relationship with individual dwelling units. The assessment considers how shared spaces are distributed throughout residential developments and whether they are conveniently accessible to different categories of residents. Attention is also given to the relationship between communal spaces and private residential areas. The research further evaluates how shared spaces influence resident interaction and community activities. Well-designed communal areas can provide opportunities for informal meetings, recreation, social exchange, and collective activities, thereby supporting a stronger sense of community. The study considers the relationship between spatial configuration, visibility, seating arrangements, circulation routes, and patterns of use. It also examines how the scale and character of shared spaces influence residents' willingness to occupy and interact within them. Privacy and security are additional considerations in the assessment of shared residential spaces. The location of communal areas in relation to bedrooms, balconies, entrances, circulation routes, and individual dwelling units can influence visual and acoustic privacy. Appropriate zoning and visibility can also support passive surveillance and improve residents' perception of safety. The study therefore considers the need to balance opportunities for social interaction with adequate separation between communal and private residential environments. Challenges affecting shared-space performance may include inadequate provision, poor accessibility, limited maintenance, insufficient shading, unsuitable furniture, lack of privacy, and conflicts between different user activities. Environmental conditions such as heat, rainfall, ventilation, and lighting can also influence the frequency and duration of space use, particularly in tropical residential environments. Identifying these challenges can provide useful information for improving existing communal spaces and guiding the planning of future multi-unit housing developments. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of shared spaces in multi-unit residential buildings and identify design characteristics that support accessibility, social interaction, privacy, comfort, and functional use. Its findings are expected to assist architects, housing developers, and facility managers in planning and managing communal residential spaces more effectively. The study contributes to contemporary residential architecture by emphasizing shared spaces as important elements for creating socially responsive, comfortable, and functional multi-unit residential environments.

Keywords: Shared spaces, multi-unit residential buildings, communal areas, residential design, social interaction, spatial organization, accessibility, privacy, resident interaction, communal courtyards, recreational spaces, user satisfaction, residential planning, community living.