Project

Space for loneliness

Two in five Dutch people experience loneliness. This feeling is shaped not only by personal characteristics and social networks, but also by the design of the built environment in which we live, work and recreate. In this project, we collaborate with residents of Eindhoven and creative professionals to develop design principles for (public) spaces that reduce loneliness and where people feel comfortable.

In the Space for Loneliness project, we explore what kinds of environments people are drawn to when they feel lonely. The project focuses on developing design principles for loneliness-friendly environments.

About the project

Many people experience loneliness. Loneliness has a serious impact on health that is comparable to the damage caused by smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. It must therefore be addressed urgently. One way to do this is by developing loneliness-friendly environments. The environment in which we live, work and spend our leisure time influences loneliness. For example, we know that loneliness is related to the presence of green spaces, pedestrian-friendliness, housing quality, the availability of amenities, the socioeconomic status of the neighbourhood, safety, social cohesion and urban density.

In this project, we collaborate with residents and designers to develop spatial interventions that help reduce or alleviate feelings of loneliness. Through co-design workshops with groups of Eindhoven residents, we will design and visualize environments they are drawn to when they feel lonely .. Together with creative professionals, the results of the workshops will be translated into concrete design principles for loneliness-friendly (public) spaces.

The central question of this project is:
Which spatial interventions in the living environment contribute to alleviating feelings of loneliness?

Project Goals

The objectives of this project are:

In co-design workshops with residents, design and visualize environments that they enjoy visiting when feeling lonely. We focus on two vulnerable groups of residents in Eindhoven: residents with a low socioeconomic status and international knowledge workers.
Translate the results of the workshops, together with professionals, into concrete design principles for (public) spaces that reduce loneliness or make it more bearable.
Translate the results into reports, presentations, and an exhibition with the aim of making a social and scientific impact.

Project duration

The research project runs from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026.

Collaboration

The project is a collaboration between various research groups and areas of expertise within Fontys University of Applied Sciences:

Partners

We also closely collaborate with external partners:

Zijdekwartier architects

Holland Expat Center

Municipality of Eindhoven

Platform 31

This project is co-financed by Regieorgaan SIA, part of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO).

Regieorgaan SIA

Contact

Are you interested in participating or learning more about this project? Please contact us. Together, we can combat loneliness and create environments where everyone feels at home!