I came across this report by Architecture and Design firm Gensler. It's an interesting read on the impact of design on our experience of public, retail and work environments. Take a look if you have 30 minutes to digest it.
As I was skimming through, the following quote caught my eye [my emphasis in bold]
...As more time is spent online, people are increasingly seeking out places to connect in real life—and for good reason. Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly being recognized as health epidemics, spurred by a growth in social media and a concurrent lack of depth in social connection and communication...
This is fascinating!! We're designing the places where we work, shop and gather to combat social disconnection between each other!!
If, as the report suggests, our lack of social connection is being classified as a public health concern, surely we should be looking at our neighbourhoods and houses to find a solution?
Maybe we should take down those six-foot-fences...