| Words of Architecture.... |
| ArquiTalks |
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| ONE LIFE, ONE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE ACCESSIBLE IN-BETWEEN |
The place where we come from has been an
important human concern for centuries. In the past,
communities moved to find a secure place to live.
Now, mainly families or individuals move seeking
better jobs and living conditions while communities
stay behind to receive others. In ancient
communities the elders were respected leaders and
wise guides. In our times, they are no longer the
most respected citizens, as many are left behind in
nursing homes, or similar institutions. Some are
leaving the ‘suburban neighborhood’ that housed
them for decades to live in places such as
‘Independent Living’ communities. These
communities provide housing for elders who can
care for themselves, and continue to live an active
life. I argue that adequately housing the elders
requires designing neighborhoods for an
intergenerational community.
important human concern for centuries. In the past,
communities moved to find a secure place to live.
Now, mainly families or individuals move seeking
better jobs and living conditions while communities
stay behind to receive others. In ancient
communities the elders were respected leaders and
wise guides. In our times, they are no longer the
most respected citizens, as many are left behind in
nursing homes, or similar institutions. Some are
leaving the ‘suburban neighborhood’ that housed
them for decades to live in places such as
‘Independent Living’ communities. These
communities provide housing for elders who can
care for themselves, and continue to live an active
life. I argue that adequately housing the elders
requires designing neighborhoods for an
intergenerational community.
This thesis investigated the elements of Intergenerational neighborhoods. First, all communities
should allow for independent living. Secondly, neighborhoods for active life can be
environmentally responsible and functional encouraging activities outside the housing unit. And
finally, accessibility needs to be a widely agreed on standard regardless of economics and politics.
Accessibility proves to be the key element for Intergenerational neighborhoods because it
creates spaces that can be used by any person regardless of age and/or ability. In this way, the
elders can maintain an independent and active life within their lifelong communities.
should allow for independent living. Secondly, neighborhoods for active life can be
environmentally responsible and functional encouraging activities outside the housing unit. And
finally, accessibility needs to be a widely agreed on standard regardless of economics and politics.
Accessibility proves to be the key element for Intergenerational neighborhoods because it
creates spaces that can be used by any person regardless of age and/or ability. In this way, the
elders can maintain an independent and active life within their lifelong communities.