THE ROLE OF BALCONIES IN ACHIEVING URBAN HAPPINESS IN TIMES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Balconies as an element gives freedom to the user to explore and socialize with their surroundings. When we look at a balcony from a distance, it appears to be a part of a façade to which a balcony contributes to its overall beauty. But, when we stand on a balcony it more than just an aesthetic character, it serves as a space that connects the indoor with the outdoor. It is a threshold space which allows the user to experience what lies beyond the four walls of a house. Balcony provides a sense of attachment and recognition to the urban form. In times of COVID-19 pandemic when everyone was confined inside their homes and it became impossible for people to move outdoor and meet their loved ones, people felt lonely, in such times balconies played an important role for people in achieving happiness by allowing them to socialize and interact with nature. The research studies about the significance of balconies at times of COVID-19 pandemic and how it helped urban inhabitants psychologically. It outlines the characteristics of urban setup that promotes happiness and its association with the balconies. The study highlights the built environment elements of an urban context that helps in promoting happiness to its inhabitants through balconies. The aim of this study is to understand the role of balconies in achieving urban happiness of the people in times of COVID-19 pandemic. This study is based on qualitative research methods. After careful review of literature by categorizing the study in 4 parts relating to balconies, happiness, urban context and COVID-19 scenario the study used the approach of phenomenological and ethnographic method as it covers the people and their experience in a particular scenario of pandemic. The primary data collection methods used five tools to bring out the relevant data into the analyses – questionnaire, interviews, observational analaysis, mental maps and photo analysis. The study brings out the important aspects that would promote urban happiness through balconies in coming times.