introduction
Social Elements (SOEs) are integral components of the Open Space Museum (OSM). They are conceived to complement the Case Study and Cultural Elements by addressing the human, social, and bodily dimensions of the museum experience. Rather than focusing on the transmission of content, Social Elements facilitate presence, rest, interaction, and social exchange. In doing so, they transform the OSM from a linear sequence of exhibits into an inhabitable social space.
Through their integration, Social Elements support the OSM’s ambition to function not only as a place to observe, but as a place to be. They contribute fundamentally to the spatial and experiential system of the Open Space Museum by encouraging rest and physical comfort, promoting informal social interaction and dialogue, and supporting reflection and longer dwell times. At the same time, they play an important role in ensuring accessibility and inclusivity, while creating pauses between perceptually or cognitively intense elements. By enabling a non-linear and self-paced museum experience, Social Elements allow visitors to engage with the OSM according to their own rhythms and needs.
In this way, Social Elements establish the social rhythm of the Open Space Museum. They invite visitors to slow down, to observe others, and to enter into conversation, thereby fostering a shared sense of presence within the space. Conceptually, they align with principles of participatory museology, relational and social aesthetics, and human-centered, inclusive design. As such, they directly reflect and reinforce the OSM’s core values of care, accessibility, and participation.
Social Elements
Hammock
Activity
Visitors use the hammock to rest, lie down or sit, observe their surroundings, and remain in the space for extended periods. It supports both individual relaxation and informal conversation with nearby visitors.
Description
The Hammock is a key Social Element designed to encourage rest, reflection, and informal social interaction within the Open Space Museum. It provides a bodily counterpoint to standing-based exhibition engagement and invites visitors to slow down, linger, and inhabit the space
Lounge Chair
Activity
The lounge chair was intended to be used for sitting, resting, and short pauses between exhibition elements. Due to construction issues, its use by the public could not be observed during the Basel phase.
Description
The Lounge Chair was conceived as a Social Element supporting physical comfort and informal social exchange. The original design proved unbuildable and requires a complete redesign before future implementation within the Open Space Museum.
Bike Seat Table
Activity
Visitors use the bike seat table for short stays, leaning or sitting briefly, placing personal items, and engaging in informal conversation. Use is typically transient rather than prolonged.
Description
The Bike Seat Table is a hybrid Social Element combining seating and a shared surface. It supports spontaneous interaction and short pauses within the exhibition flow rather than long-term sitting.