Environment and community create security in neighbourhood Gartnerlien
Located in the beautiful outskirts of Bergen in Norway, you will find the green and vibrant neighbourhood of Gartnerlien. With unique spaces for dining and other social activities for neighbours, as well as architecture that harmonises with the surrounding forest, it’s a great example of how Bonava can create Happier Neighbourhoods.
The buildings in Gartnerlien consist of 70 apartments on five storeys, unlike other buildings in the area, which have seven storeys.
“Lower buildings give a different feel and create greater proximity to nature,” says Jørgen Madsen, development manager and head of the concept development project’s early phase.
Proximity to shared outdoor spaces
According to the Happy Neighbourhood report, and knowledge that we have, people who live in neighbourhoods with spaces that help neighbours engage with each other are 19 percent happier with life in general and 30 percent happier in their neighbourhoods. And this was borne in mind when designing the Gartnerlien neighbourhood, and particularly the centrepiece – the beautiful Orangery.
“The wooden apartment buildings are designed as a horseshoe so that most of the apartments are close to and have contact with the shared outdoor areas. The Orangery, which is located in the middle of the horseshoe, creates opportunities both for growing plants and for social gatherings. The apartments also have their own greenhouses on the balconies so residents can compete to grow the best mint leaves for their mojitos!” says Jørgen.
Community and environment create security
Bonava’s surveys show that the more people interact with their neighbours, the happier and more secure they feel. According to Jørgen, the environment also has a major impact, not least in Gartnerlien.
“People experience the neighbourhood as good and safe when they get to know their neighbours and experience a feeling of community. A design such as a horseshoe around the garden helps to create both safety and joy”, says Jørgen.
Social activities the key to happy neighbours
According to Bonava’s studies, people are more likely to enjoy social gatherings in Norway. 47 percent say they are interested in doing this with their neighbours.
“Bonava has become very good at designing happy neighbourhoods. I think it’s important being active in the early period, when everyone is moving in. For us, it feels natural to take this initiative. It could be neighbourhood parties, cooking classes or walking groups”, concludes Jørgen.
Find out what makes people happier where they live in Bonava’s Happy Neighbourhood report.
