How Communal Gardens help us to Live Together Better

In an increasingly urbanised world, where tall buildings often overshadow and encroach upon green spaces, communal gardens have emerged as vital oases that foster community, enhance well-being, and promote sustainable living. These shared green spaces are an immensely valuable resource. Not only do they provide a refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life but also serve as a catalyst for social interaction and community building. The design of communal gardens, such as The Little Valentine’s project in Redbridge, plays a crucial role in maximizing their benefits, creating environments that encourage collaboration, connection, and a sense of belonging.

Little Valentine's uses planting and spacial planning to create an oasis from the concretised suburban gardens. Rain gardens collect water for reuse.

Copyright: SHA Architecture & Design

The Importance of Communal Gardens

Communal gardens are more than just patches of greenery; they are open invites to individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together. Whether it’s to cultivate plants, share resources, relax or ‘be on your own’, they help people to build relationships. The benefits of these gardens extend beyond aesthetics; they contribute to mental health, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion, such as The Community Garden at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

The Community Garden at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has transformed 'grot spots' into allotment-style gardens.

Copyright: 2025 The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Communal gardens often appear in blocks of flats or around institutions served by a courtyard. They differ from public gardens in that they are exclusive to a select audience and provide some level of privacy that a park deals with differently. It’s the feeling of being in between public and private that opens one up to a different kind of behaviour - a more relaxed and open atmosphere. What makes parks and communal gardens interesting is the theatre of human interaction. Both need a certain amount of intensity of inhabitation to avoid them being dusty leaf-blown patches of urban blandness. But it also should retain the calm a garden is known for to be a spot for relaxation as well as socialising.

Research has shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. Communal gardens provide an accessible way for urban dwellers to reconnect with nature and each other. These curated open spaces can be healing centres for people with mental and physical disabilities, as well as creating opportunities for recreation, exercise, therapy and education.

Architectural Design: The Heart of Communal Gardens

A visit to the Chelsea Flower Show will tell you how much of a fervour there is for urban gardens. The design of communal gardens is pivotal in shaping the experiences of those who use them. Thoughtful architectural elements can transform a simple garden into a vibrant community hub.

Here are some key design considerations that can enhance the effectiveness of communal gardens:

Accessibility and Inclusivity

A well-designed communal garden should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical ability. This means incorporating features such as wide pathways, raised garden beds for those with mobility challenges, and seating areas that invite people to linger. By ensuring that the garden is inclusive, spaces can be created where all community members feel welcome and valued.

Zoning and Functionality

Effective design involves zoning the garden into different areas that serve various functions. For instance, a communal garden might include spaces for growing vegetables, areas for relaxation, and spots for social gatherings. By clearly defining these zones, designers can encourage diverse activities, from gardening workshops to community picnics, fostering interaction among residents.

Interconnected pathways and seating areas naturally offer people opportunities to socialise. Wind chimes and water provide natural sounds to promote relaxation. Planting can create secluded corners for more intimate discussions.

Little Valentine’s in Redbridge is a good example of how zoning and purposeful connectivity, using archways and pathways around the site, can subtly create calm spaces and more bustling areas, depending on your mood or needs. Green and planted areas create a natural break in what would be a large open space, to give some privacy. Carefully planted trees can also help break up the brickwork and window formations and upper walkways.

Sustainable Practices

Incorporating sustainable design principles is essential for the longevity and health of communal gardens. This can include using native plants that require less water, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, and creating composting areas. By prioritising sustainability, architects can help communities reduce their environmental footprint while also educating residents about eco-friendly practices. Projects such as The Community Garden at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea transformed neglected and disused areas of land (grot spots) for local residents to grow their own fruit and vegetables. Some gardens are more private, located within social housing estates, whereas others are allotted to borough applicants.

The Community Garden at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has a schools gardening programme which teaches children about growing your own food and healthy eating.

Copyright: 2025 The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Aesthetic Appeal

The visual design of a communal garden can significantly impact its use and enjoyment. Thoughtful landscaping, the use of colour, and the integration of art can create an inviting atmosphere that draws people in. Features such as trellises, sculptures, and seating areas can enhance the garden's beauty and provide focal points for social interaction.

Bermondsey Community Orchard is a collaborative space where local residents come together to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers. In 2022 local residents transformed a dis-used area into a colourful, edible garden which is also available to the local school for workshops and play. They hold community events such as their ‘Fruity Walk’ that engages young and old which is both educational and fosters a sense of wellbeing and brings people together for a celebratory learning event.

Community Input and Collaboration

Involving community members in the design process is crucial for creating a garden that meets their needs and desires. Architects can facilitate workshops and discussions to gather input from residents, ensuring that the final design reflects the community's vision, such as Marmalade Lane in Cambridge. This collaborative approach not only results in a more functional space but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride among residents.

'The Lane' at Marmalade Lane, Cambridge. A car-free, shared space that encourages neighbourly interaction that has been added to over time by the cohousing community.

Copyright: Cambridge Cohousing Limited 2025

The Bermondsey Community Orchard was instigated, created and is run by a multi-generational group of community members. Not only were they planning an edible garden for their own community, they also share the space with the wider local community. The space was a community co-design where they discussed the orchard trees and how they are looked after. They also looked at the practicalities of watering, composting and tool storage and they used wild flowers to bring colour to the surrounding border.

The Social Impact of Communal Gardens

The design of communal gardens has profound implications for social interaction and community building. These spaces encourage neighbours to meet, share experiences, and collaborate on projects, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of belonging. When people come together to tend to the garden, they develop relationships that can lead to stronger community ties and a greater sense of security.

Moreover, communal gardens can serve as educational platforms, where residents can learn about gardening, nutrition, and sustainability. Workshops and events can be organised to promote knowledge sharing, empowering individuals to take an active role in their community and environment. The Sustainable Community Garden at Leeds University Campus encourages collaboration between students and local residents. It provides a space for growing food, hosting workshops, and engaging in community activities. The garden promotes interaction between students and the local community, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose and provides the university community with an opportunity to connect with the wider local community.

Conclusion

Communal gardens are more than just green spaces; they are vital components of urban life that promote wellbeing, sustainability, and social cohesion. The architectural design of these gardens plays a crucial role in maximising their potential, creating inclusive, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments that encourage community interaction.

As we continue to navigate the challenges of urbanisation, investing in well-designed communal gardens can help us live together better, fostering connections that enrich our lives and strengthen our communities. By prioritising these shared spaces, we can cultivate not only plants and edible gardens but also relationships, resilience, and a sense of belonging in our increasingly disconnected world.

Little Valentine’s communal garden area offers a natural space to mingle amongst nature.

Copyright: SHA Architecture & Design