The Social Qualities Of The Trench

Continuous lines warping through the landscape with various variations characterizes the common trench. When the passage shifts social spaces emerge - spaces that
allow both passing traffic as well as stays for a longer period of time.

The trenches' social capabilities seem very suitable for a spatial translation into supermarket aisles lacking areas designated for basic interaction / informal encounters.

Collage of various trenches (Canadian, Danish, American, German, Australian...)

The collage in perspective: Base for spatial investigation and development of language of form

Stoops in Brooklyn

Originating from the time when New York City was based on single family housing, stoops as access to the private sphere is a common part of the cityscape in
residential areas.

The social aspect of the stoop is as historical as the architectural element itself, as it encourages residents to participate in life in the street. Incidental encounters
of informal conversations with the neighbours or passersby as well as a general  self-regulating quality as Jane Jacobs calls it in her 1962 book 'the death and 
life of great american cities'.

Concrete activities based on the stoop includes stoop sales (the yard-less yard sale) and stoop ball (popular in Brooklyn after WWII).

The opportunity to customize the stoop improves the sense of identity among residents.

Case Studies: Grocers of Aarhus