Sharing Our Space
‘It is not enough to create universally designed spaces; rather it is important to create spaces that actually promote intergenerational exchange and nurture a sense of community’
– Thang and Kaplan, 2013
More attention is being given to the environment and the design of spaces in intergenerational shared sites and research now shows that such spaces can reduce isolation and loneliness, connecting people from different generations, improving health and wellbeing and are making a real difference in cognitive and socioemotional skills. An intergenerational shared site is a place that intentionally focuses on intergenerational exchange and engagement, promotes a sense of belonging, and has special meaning for participants of different ages. Designing such a space and how you do it can make all the difference to how generations connect and act with each other.
This report from Generations United Covers the following areas:
3.1 Concept and Theory
3.2 Design Principles
3.3 Aligning Place, Programming, Policies, and Values
3.4 Design Considerations
3.5 Architectural Models
3.6 Indoor and Outdoor Shared Spaces
3.7 Interior Design
3.8 Animating the Environment
3.9 Major Phases of Design and Construction