The value of communal spaces
For many seeking a place to call home, the availability of communal spaces and shared facilities is often an unspoken yet crucial factor.
However, few can clearly define what these spaces should be—even those responsible for planning communities sometimes overlook their importance. Most of us have, in fact, lived through the very evidence that people are starved for these spaces: children playing in the streets for lack of safe recreational spaces and families with no choice but to spend weekends in shopping malls.
So what exactly should communal spaces be and how can they better serve the communities?
Accessible
One of the primary characteristics that communal spaces should have is accessibility.
No matter how many amenities it has or how welcoming its lawns and gardens might be, if the community’s common space could not be reached easily through multiple modes of transportation, then all of it would be for naught as no one will be able to use and enjoy it.
Ample open space
It’s no secret that spending time under the shade of a tree works wonders for one’s mental and physical health in a way that no concrete-paved basketball court ever could.
Imagine then what a lush landscape can do—a space filled with trees and shrubs, grass to sit on, the sound of flowing water, and a cool breeze that beckons one to simply relax. There’s a reason why UP Diliman’s grounds attract hordes of Metro Manila’s weary city dwellers on a weekly basis.
Green space that is large enough to serve the needs and activities of the community is a necessity for any communal area.
Serves the community’s needs
Being accessible and having green space is all well and good, but if a space doesn’t offer practicality, then any trip to it would mean having to take time away from getting through their daily grind for its users— and that means that when sacrifices have to be made, time spent in such spaces often will be the first to go.
Having facilities and establishments that serve the community’s practical day-to-day needs—getting the laundry done, or securing the week’s food and grocery supplies, or paying their monthly dues and bills, among others—should therefore be a must for thriving and indispensable communal spaces.
Avenues for wellness, leisure
At the same time, variety is also important in creating such spaces to provide not just
necessities but also avenues for wellness and leisure. Establishments that allow people to socialize, enjoy with friends and family, or simply spend quality time with oneself will create a space that people will look forward to visiting.
An available sanctuary
Imagine having the peace of mind knowing that a sanctuary will always be available to you when you and your family need to relax, take care of yourselves, or simply have fun.
That is priceless, especially in today’s hectic world. That is also one of the reasons why quality communal spaces are so integral in having truly functional and vibrant places which are actually desirable to live in.
Valuable time
Time is the most valuable thing that we possess in our lives, and that gets more evident as we go through the years.
With that in mind, who would willingly waste it? Hours spent commuting for daily necessities aren’t just inconveniences—they’re a needless drain on our most valuable resource.
Communal spaces that are easy to reach and cater to most—if not all—of life’s necessities thus become something highly valuable in helping people make the most of their time.
Sense of belonging
A place that meets the needs and desires of its residents naturally fosters a strong community. When people recognize its value, they are motivated and empowered to nurture and sustain the connections that keep it thriving.
Beyond providing comfort, growth, and connection, quality communal spaces are becoming increasingly indispensable in fostering communities by bringing people together. This shared experience cultivates a deep sense of belonging and ownership—key factors people seek when choosing a place to call home.
Sources: https://unhabitat.org; https://thecityfix.com; https://www.pps.org
