Designing for Conviviality: Creating Socially Connected Landscapes

In contemporary landscape architecture, the concept of conviviality—the ability of spaces to foster social interaction, belonging, and shared experience—has become increasingly central to design thinking. As highlighted in the Landezine article “Designing for Conviviality in Landscape Architecture,” convivial environments are those that bring people together, support community life, and strengthen the relationship between environment and society.(Reference: Designing for Conviviality in Landscape Architecture, Landezine)

At Skab, we see conviviality not merely as a desirable feature, but as an essential quality of resilient and human-centered landscapes.

What Conviviality Means in Landscape Architecture

A convivial landscape is one that invites people to engage—with each other, with nature, and with the rhythms of outdoor space. The referenced Landezine article notes several foundational qualities:

• Ease of access and openness

• Human-scaled, comfortable spatial sequences

• Multi-functional layout allowing diverse activities

• A sense of warmth, safety, and welcome

These landscapes do not force interaction; instead, they create environments where social connection emerges naturally.

Why Conviviality Matters

1. Rebuilding Social Bonds

Modern urban life can be isolating. Convivial landscapes provide places where people can reconnect and build community through spontaneous exchanges.

2. Supporting Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Environments designed for comfort and connection reduce stress and nurture a sense of belonging.

3. Strengthening Community Resilience

People protect and advocate for the spaces they feel connected to. Conviviality builds collective care for the landscape.

Skab’s Approach to Designing Convivial Landscapes

Human-Centered Spatial Design

We carefully consider scale, movement, comfort, and sensory qualities to create places where people want to stay.

Multi-Layered Functionality

Our landscapes accommodate various user groups and activities—from quiet reflection to social gatherings.

Soft Integration of Nature and People

Through materiality, planting design, and microclimates, we create welcoming outdoor atmospheres.

Ecological Richness with Emotional Impact

Biodiversity, shade, texture, and seasonality contribute to emotionally engaging places.

Key Strategies for Convivial Landscape Design

• Intentional gathering points and social nodes

• Layered planting that shapes microclimates and identity

• Transitional hybrid spaces between private and public

• Natural climatic comfort created through shade, wind, and sun

Looking Ahead: Conviviality as a Landscape Value

As the Landezine article reflects, conviviality represents a shift toward landscapes that support inclusion, interaction, and emotional resonance. At Skab, we see it as the heart of contemporary landscape architecture.

Our commitment is to design environments that do more than function — they welcome, embrace, and bring people together.

Reference

“Designing for Conviviality in Landscape Architecture.” Landezine.