Designing for Existential Sustainability: The Intersection of Social Sustainability and Universal Design, explored through Social Staircases

In this article we discuss the notions of social sustainability and universal design by reflecting on a particular type of architectural element in common space, namely the “social staircases” that serve as multifunctional spaces beyond mere transportation, aiming at social interaction. Through empirical examples, including a detailed analysis of a newly built housing project in Sweden, renowned for its sustainability efforts, we highlight the multifunctional nature of social
staircases. We conclude by introducing the notion of existential sustainability–acknowledging individuals’ and groups’ relational striving to find reasonably good living conditions – as a way to discuss limitations of practiced social sustainability and universal design. Through “existential sustainability” we intend to find a way in which these two commonly mentioned domains can be recognized, still expanded. This approach takes a diverse range of human experiences into consideration in design of social space. We argue that such a balanced approach, which takes into account individual and existential concerns alongside systemic and societal considerations is crucial for realizing the democratic potential inherent in spaces like the social staircase.