(Inter)generational Architecture: Aging Populations & the Changing Role of Age-Inclusive Design

By Jonah Nees, Design Intern

Point of View

Jonah Nees joined the Portland studio as a summer design intern, participating in the firm’s robust internship program that includes conducting an in-depth research project. Jonah is a fourth-year undergraduate architecture student at the University of Oregon. Read more from our 2024 internship cohort and all our past intern research projects here.

 

Introduction of Aging Populations

The population aging demographic shift results primarily from decreasing fertility rates and increasing life expectancy – in which older populations begin to grow at a rate faster than young adults. This trend is heavily exhibited within the United States and is transforming the way we live in society.

Source: World Population Prospects – Population Division – United Nations

While this presents an opportunity for advancements in health and longevity, population aging has major impacts on existing systemic support systems such as healthcare, social services, and housing. Additionally, aging populations often face a range of challenges within the built environment, primarily ageist stereotypes, physical health, as well as social isolation and loneliness. It is estimated that in the United States, nearly a third of adults over the age of 45 feel lonely, and a fourth of adults aged 65 and older are socially isolated.

The U.S. has one of the highest total percentage of seniors living alone, as well as the smallest average size of a household in which seniors live. This contributes to a higher risk of loneliness, which can impact mental health, lifestyle, and overall well-being. This data raises an important question: How can we support healthy aging populations through design?

Older people are more likely to live alone in the United States than elsewhere in the world. Source: Pew Research Center

The Emergence of Intergenerational Design

In the 21st century, the concept of intergenerational design has been incredibly successful within many international housing initiatives and has started to become embraced by many architectural efforts in the U.S. as well.

The intergenerational approach takes a step further to consider both the separate and shared physical, psychological, and emotional needs of different age groups. It focuses on using these shared needs as opportunities for social bridging and bringing different generations together to form socially resilient and supportive communities.

While many housing projects have implemented intergenerational concepts around the world, my research investigated how we can apply intergenerational design to the civic typology, which can play a role in establishing a larger support network within urban settings. How can utilizing an intergenerational process and design framework transform the experience of aging populations within civic architecture?

Intergenerational Design Processes

Strategies such as participatory design, diverse teams, and demographic research can strengthen intergenerational design processes. This includes inviting community members into the decision-making process, considering the unique and valuable perspectives our design teams can offer, as well as conducting research about the changing needs and experience of aging populations near project sites.

Intergenerational Design Principles

Using design principles that consider the experience of aging populations as they enter and move through spaces, engage in activities, interact with inclusive and diverse environments, as well as changes space to accommodate needs, will lead to successful intergenerational architecture. These elements can begin to establish an [inter]generational design framework that complements existing standards, leading to new opportunities for intergenerational connections and support systems, as well as redefining what future age inclusive spaces should look like.

 

Internship Experience

During my internship, I gained valuable experience on projects that serve the public. I got to engage in as-built site documentation, work on drawing packages, and utilize historic preservation methods. I spent time improving my skills with BIM software such as Revit as well as assisting with laser-cutting processes; I also learned more about project management through attending client meetings and helping with communications. I am thankful for my time at Hennebery Eddy and the opportunity to work on projects that I am passionate about and learn from incredible mentors. I am excited to take these skills forward into my undergraduate architectural education as well as apply them to my future career.

Research References