Public buildings play a vital role in daily life. More than any other building type, they must offer space for people to meet, interact, and feel part of a shared environment. In our work, we critically examine how architecture can facilitate human contact and social exchange in an accessible and natural way.

Designing for encounter begins with understanding movement. We look closely at how people pass each other, where they slow down, and where they are likely to seek interaction. Intersections of movement—corridors, staircases, entrances, and so-called “leftover spaces”—are often overlooked, yet they are precisely where spontaneous encounters occur. By carefully shaping these spaces and their dimensions, we encourage comfortable and intuitive interaction. Too narrow, and people avoid contact; too wide, and awareness of others is lost. Finding the right balance is essential.

Accessibility is another fundamental condition. A public building should feel open and welcoming to everyone. The entrance plays a crucial role in this: it sets the tone for inclusion, orientation, and safety. Spaces that are physically or socially difficult to access risk excluding parts of the community from meaningful participation.

Creating places for connection also means ensuring that people feel safe and comfortable. This requires a deep understanding of users and context. People experience public space differently depending on factors such as gender, culture, and social background. We therefore invest time in observation, dialogue, and engagement with local communities to understand how spaces are used and perceived. By integrating landscape, climate-responsive design, and human-scale details, we aim to create environments that invite people to stay, connect, and feel at ease.