Research note: Associations between the implementation of communal open space design guidelines and residents' use of these spaces in apartment developments

Background: Communal open spaces (COS) in apartment developments can be an important resource for residents, but little is known about the implementation of COS policy design requirements and its impact on residents' use of these spaces. Methods: Apartment design policies across three Australian states (NSW, Victoria and Western Australia) were screened for quantifiable policy requirements relating to COS. Building plans for 112 apartment complexes across Sydney, Melbourne and Perth were scored for the implementation of state level and total (i.e., pooled) policy requirements. Residents of these buildings also completed a self-report survey on their use of COS. Results: Strong positive associations were found between COS policy implementation scores and COS use, with the NSW and 'total' policy implementation scores demonstrating the strongest effect. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that more comprehensive design guidance is important for delivering COS that appeals to apartment residents.

Automated summary

This study investigated the implementation of apartment design policies in Australia and its impact on residents' use of communal open spaces (COS). The results showed a strong positive association between policy implementation scores and COS use. The study suggests the importance of more comprehensive design guidance to meet the needs of apartment residents.