Arkitektur-antropologi anvendt som metode i et dansk forstadsstudie

Combining anthropological and architectural methods in suburban studies in Vejle, Denmark
This paper will outline the research methods, which are used to explore suburban life and suburban space. Through architectural analysis and urban life registrations a study of suburban physical frames are conducted to reflect upon how the space have impact and shape the use of the suburban public spaces. There are relatively many people who pass the suburban spaces, but fewer who actually make a stay – because the frames are not offering the possibilities.
Therefore, to comprehend the people, their everyday life and the social connections of the suburb, anthropology methods are also tested in the project. Qualitative interviews, logbook and fieldwork have been used to see and engage with the lived everyday life, as it is taking place in a typical Danish suburb. As a result of this interest, my family and I have moved in to the case study area ‘Søndermarken’ in Vejle for 9 months. From here the everyday life and the social connections and community was examined through daily registrations (pictures, notes and GPS-tracking) and broad participation in collective activities of the suburb.
The objective is to see how the physical connections have impact on the social connections in the suburb and to find potentials in the everyday life to develop suitable suburban spaces.