# Urban Ecology 1.1 Communal Spaces
# Applies to
Multi-unit residential development and non-residential development.
# Objective
To encourage and recognise initiatives that facilitate interaction between building occupants.
# Summary
Points are awarded where there is at least the following amount of common space (m2):
- 1m2 for each of the first 50 occupants
- Additional 0.5m2 for each occupant between 51 and 250
- Additional 0.25m2 for each occupant above 251
Communal spaces are places where people gather for social exchange. They can be outdoors or indoors, and can include rooftop gardens, communal courtyards with seating and bbq facilities, gyms, community rooms for use and hire within the building and other spaces where people can gather.
Whether a space within a development qualifies as a communal space can depend on the context of the development. For example:
- A seating area in a cafe would not qualify as it's the primary purpose of the cafe.
- Childcare rooms would not qualify, but a well-designed and appointed space for staff would. If there was a large outdoor space (above and beyond regulatory requirements) and this was well appointed then this could be classed as communal space.
- A staff tea/coffee station without space to sit would not qualify.
- In a public building such as a library, meeting spaces for hire or spaces with chairs and tables designed for people to socialise would qualify. Areas that are predominantly shelving or designed as individual study spaces would not.
In addition:
- Corridors, stairwells, circulation spaces, utility areas, and foyers are not communal spaces and the areas of these spaces should not be included in communal space calculations.
- Carparking areas, garden beds or areas unlikely to be used as communal spaces should not be included, unless these are clearly well designed, multi-functional spaces.
# Documentation & evidence required
- Site and/or floor plan showing the amount of common space. The floor plan drawings highlighting communal space area and calculations of size.