Airbnb and social environment in big cities

Abstract: This thesis aims to increase the sensitivity of foreign tourists who want to rent a flat on Airbnb and let tourists and households take their responsibility of Airbnb through explaining the relationship between Airbnb and social environments. In recent years, Airbnb has been one of the top choices for short-term accommodation renting. However, an issue needing to be cared about is subconsciously affecting the social environment, which is contrary to sustainable development.  The text can be divided into two parts. In the first part, the impact of Airbnb on the social environment of big cities will be analyzed from two aspects - sharing economy and gentrification. Social networks and the negative effects are the main content that will be discussed in sharing economy. At the same time, gentrification will respond to it through a typical case study in Barcelona.  In the second part, the design project will be analyzed in order to support my theoretical part. Critical design as the core element in my design projects will be analyzed through a communication plan. This plan will become my design proposal to realize the creation of a common network platform in order to attract more attention to this issue.