What is belonging?

Although belonging is defined as “an affinity for a place or situation” (Oxford Languages), different communities and individuals have varying interpretations of this word. To some, a sense of belonging refers only to the presence of others (i.e. their community), while for others physical space itself can offer a sense of belonging. The popularity of the phrase “home is where the heart is” is a testament as to how we view belonging, however, if we take the equally popular phrase “to make a house a home”, we can begin to see how a space can be transformed into a place that intentionally fosters a sense of community/belonging.

To ensure that we are fostering community and belonging is to improve our social engagement and wellbeing. For Muslims, it might be unsurprising to hear that people who belong to faith based communities have high social engagement. However, for Muslims living in countries like the UK, is there a missing link whereby the inaccessibility of mosques results in lower social engagement?

Belonging in an urban context

The built environment plays a big role in both individual and communal wellbeing. Collective action to improve the built environment in a way that allows for opportunities to connect with a community is vital in building resilience and

When we think of belonging, in relation to where we spend our time, our home ranks first on the list. Where you live can have a tangible impact on our perception of the world, our health and wellbeing, and our sense of belonging.

If we think of the difference between a neighbourhood where you feel a sense of belonging and one where you don’t, it can be difficult to explain why these two neighbourhoods are different. Often, it is an intangible element of the physical environment that fosters a sense of belonging.

What makes a space into a place?

Third spaces are spaces that foster community and connection, filling the need for a place where people belong. In our current society, where we are often defined by our occupation and a third space exists to serve as a place outside of home and work. These could be libraries, faith spaces, community centres, and even restaurants and cafes. Third spaces are a prime example of an urban environment that allows for the fostering of a community but the economic climate means that in many parts of the world, there has been a reduction in third spaces. Faith spaces, like mosques, could fill a vital role in communities by being more accessible. Many communities, including those who access mosques/churches/synagogues/temples, view faith building and spaces as a space for worship rather than a space for community and belonging. So how can we ensure a third space and neighbourhood are promoting community and belonging?

There is a conflict between making a space more accessible to all people and ensuring it serves a specific function, e.g. worship, for a particular community. By looking at the Wellbeing in the Built Environment Report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School Wellbeing Special Interest Group’s five themes for wellbeing, we can begin to understand that the design of a third space needs to consider multiple factors.

1. Health
2. Environment
3. Security
4. Relationships
5. Purpose

When we are discussing belonging, the last three themes (security, relationships, and purpose) are the most fitting. When designing new spaces, or transforming a space into a place, the most important factors are ensuring that the space is accessible, secure, and provides a place for relationship building (and strengthening), as well as have a sense of purpose. A cafe can be a place for connection only if the owners and workers set out to foster and facilitate new connections.

Finlay, J. et al. (2019) ‘Closure of “Third Places”? Exploring Potential Consequences for Collective Health and Wellbeing’, Health & place, 60, p. 102225. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2019.102225.

Inalhan, G. and Finch, E. (2004) ‘Place attachment and sense of belonging’, Facilities, 22(5/6), pp. 120–128. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/02632770410540333/FULL/PDF.

Krause, N., Shaw, B. and Liang, J. (2011) ‘Social Relationships in Religious Institutions and Healthy Lifestyles’, Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public

Health Education, 38(1), p. 25. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198110370281.

Leyden, K.M., Goldberg, A. and Michelbach, P. (2012) ‘Understanding the Pursuit of Happiness in Ten Major Cities On behalf of’. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/1078087411403120.

‘Wellbeing in the Built Environment Report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School Wellbeing Special Interest Group’ (no date).