Ecosocial well-being and inclusion. New dynamics of urban segregation (EKOS)

We are looking for ways to strengthen the vitality of the suburbs and to understand the differentiation of residential areas in the current sustainable transformation. We assume that the dynamics of urban segregation may change so that residential areas differentiate according to how sustainable housing and lifestyle solutions they enable. In the EKOS project, we consider how people living in the suburbs can participate in and influence sustainable urban development.

What do we do?

We study the intertwining of environmental and social sustainability in the daily lives of residents in Tampere's Peltolammi and Multisilta. We analyze well-being and inclusion as an ecosocial entity: an ecological, social, and subjective phenomenon. We ask what everyday and urban policy solutions can be used to strengthen the eco-social well-being and inclusion of the inhabitants and reduce urban segregation.

We focus on people's own perceptions and experiences of inclusion, well-being and their components. We use participatory research methods and co-development approaches. Together with residents and regional actors, we will develop ways to contribute to sustainability transition and identify ways to support well-being and inclusion of people living in the suburban areas.

The results provide ways to enforce the vitality of the suburbs by strengthening environmental and social sustainability. The research renews segregation research by looking at urban ecosocial change as a factor in disparities between residential areas and the importance of the intertwining of environmental and social sustainability in shaping resident inclusion and well-being.