in 2015, arki_lab in collaboration with TERROIR ApS and Deane Simpson was assigned to conduct a research project focusing on intergenerational integration in urban and suburban areas. Our project was selected as a part of the 12 architectural and urban design projects, funded by the Ministry of Housing, Urban and Rural Affairs. The project addressed the notable demographic changes marked by the increase of aging population both in the cities and suburbs by closely examining three case areas of urban, suburban and provincial character.

Community cohesion in urban and residential areas was the main task of the overall project, with a special emphasis on integration of elderly citizen groups. Moreover, the concept of shared living communities, which accommodates all generations, represented the architectural focus point: how to create urban spaces that accommodate the needs of different generations, and neighbourhood masterplans that promote age heterogeneous demographics.

arki_lab’s aim in the project was to foster interaction across generations in the urban space in order to increase community cohesion and decrease loneliness. We applied our expertise in analytical research, based on user engagement, and provided innovative methods and strategies for transforming the urban and suburban space into an inviting environment thats supports the interaction between generations.

The final report is roughly 150 pages. The report provides theoretical examples on how age can be understood and how age segregation permeates society in an institutional, spatial, and cultural sense. The three case studies provide empirical examples on how municipalities can deal with age segregation issues through facilitating co-creation process and utilising various engagement tools and methods. 

About our partners:
TERROIR ApS (an international architectural practice, working primarily on the design and procurement of buildings)
Deane Simpson (professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Arts School of Architecture and author of the book Young-Old: Urban utopias of an Ageing Society)

 Read the full version of the report in Danish here

 Read our short summary of the report in English here