Living Together: The Architecture and Mutual Symbiosis of Intergenerational Housing

Abstract

Today’s changing demographic and a rising life expectancy are creating communities where different generations live at the same time for longer periods of time. The constantly growing models for housing and care services for the elderly are based on an age segregated approach. As a result, existing living environments, for the most part, are homogenous, where the elderly are physically and socially isolated from the rest of the community. This thesis seeks to explore intergenerational living as a symbiotic alternative to traditional age specific care models and isolated living in private homes. Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship between individuals of different species where both individuals benefit. This will be the key concept through which a new intergenerational housing typology is developed, one that is heterogeneous in nature, and fosters synergistic, inclusive, and diverse environments for all generations. This theoretical framework will be investigated in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.