Intergenerational living

2024

-> Housing with care
-> Age-inclusive
-> Place-making

Envisioning aspirational multigenerational living in the UK.

This scoping study explores the characteristics and aspirations that would make up an age-inclusive space on a future development site in Heathborne Green

The study hopes to add to the dialogue and understanding of the developing meaningful, purposeful and innovative places and spaces. These propositions must be developed to be inclusive, connected, and both socially and economically sustainable.

The built environment can be a great enabler, hence inclusive and purposeful design of physical space and temporal factors are essential to create homes and dynamic community environments where residents of all ages, ability, culture and circumstances can flourish and feel a sense of belonging. Inclusive design considers such diverse spectrums, including current and future needs, to allow for flexibility and adaptation.

In order to undertake a manageable scoping study the research was strategically framed around: Built Environment: Spatial Design; People and Community; and Services, Systems and Schemes.

The spaces, systems, services, and schemes within an environment will increasingly play a crucial role in building welcoming and inclusive neighbourhoods in which to live. These factors can help provide equitable and fair access to resources for people, help build a sense of independence and autonomy, and facilitate interactions for an intergenerational and diverse community. In terms of technology, human-centred experiences dictate that interventions should not impose new behaviours or disrupt existing ones; instead, they should sensitively respond to individuals' needs, seamlessly supporting them without compromising independence or social inclusion.

Based upon an initial literature review, these overarching themes were further expanded into 12 sub-themes. These 12 sub-themes were elaborated upon towards defining the characteristics and aspirations for a truly ‘age-inclusive neighbourhood’. These themes were validated and further detailed through expert interviews and design engagement activities with the local community. 

A questionnaire was presented to the client and master planners on the Heathbourne Green Development to identify the shared understanding and intent for the project.

The questions were aligned with the twelve themes identified. The aim is to identify gaps to address and collaboratively construct the delivery team’s current ‘manifesto of intent’.

Co-design is critical to the process of creating inclusive multigenerational spaces but is a missing component in the majority of developments. To avoid exclusion in the built environment and public space, it is key for residents and potential future inhabitants to be involved in informing spaces, and more importantly their own future homes. By providing people with agency in this process, a sense of authorship and ownership through participation will create positive associations with the proposed spaces and advocate for their positive use.