How do you feel about Salford’s built environment?

Transforming Salford’s built environment for social cohesion

A groundbreaking project will allow Salford’s communities to raise their voice about their built environment, aiming to foster more socially cohesive neighbourhoods. The University of Salford has just launched the ENSEMBLE project and needs contributions from the people living and working in Pendleton, Charlestown, Quays, Ordsall and Lower Broughton. And as a thank you for taking part, researchers are offering a cash reward.

Experts are seeking volunteers to capture and share photos of their surroundings to highlight features that impact social cohesion in either a positive or negative way. Written submissions focusing on how the built environment makes you feel can also be made. Volunteers will receive £10 for submitting 5 to 10 photos, each with a title and a short description explaining how the chosen place has impacted their social interactions, either by fostering connections or contributing to social decline.

Partnered with six cities worldwide, Barcelona, Colombo, Harare, Longueil, Ouagadougou, and Manchester and funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC – New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF)), Canada, the project has been designed to help our understanding of how our built environments can foster social interactions, promote community well-being, and ensure equitable recovery in the post-pandemic era.

This study will examine the role of physical man-made structures and how they help communities recover from difficult times. Researchers will look at how places like buildings, parks, and other physical spaces in the neighbourhood can help us all feel connected and supported. They want to understand how these places affect how we get along with each other and how we work together as a community.

Dr Devindi Geekiyanage, who is leading the work at the University of Salford, said: “The THINKLab at the University of Salford is proud to announce the launch of the ENSEMBLE project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing social cohesion through the transformation of community spaces.

“We are interested in understanding how different types of built spaces in a community can help sustain social cohesion. We are asking people like you to help us learn more by sharing your thoughts and experiences. What is Social Cohesion? In this study, social cohesion is the degree of relationships, trust, and support among individuals within a society or neighbourhood, their sense of belonging and their willingness to get involved to achieve the common good.

“The success of the ENSEMBLE project hinges on the active participation of local communities. Their insights and experiences are crucial for understanding how built environments can truly serve their needs.”

The University of Salford plays a pivotal role in this initiative by leading the research efforts, facilitating workshops, and collaborating with community members, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Through this project, the University aims to generate valuable insights and data that will inform future urban development policies, ensuring they are reflective of and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.