Learning Together; a design proposal for a combined preschool and senior living space
(2025) AAHM10 20251Department of Architecture and Built Environment
- Abstract
- We live in an increasingly individualistic society where involuntary loneliness, especially among older adults, has become a growing issue. In Sweden, where single-person households are common, many seniors, particularly those over 65 who live alone, report feeling lonely. At the same time, children are growing up with limited contact with older generations, as everyday interactions between age groups have diminished. This project explores how architecture can help reconnect these generations and promote well-being through intergenerational exchange.
The research began with a literature review investigating the connection between health, social interaction, and intergenerational meetings. While some care homes collaborate with... (More) - We live in an increasingly individualistic society where involuntary loneliness, especially among older adults, has become a growing issue. In Sweden, where single-person households are common, many seniors, particularly those over 65 who live alone, report feeling lonely. At the same time, children are growing up with limited contact with older generations, as everyday interactions between age groups have diminished. This project explores how architecture can help reconnect these generations and promote well-being through intergenerational exchange.
The research began with a literature review investigating the connection between health, social interaction, and intergenerational meetings. While some care homes collaborate with preschools, there is a clear gap for seniors who live independently but still wish to engage socially. Drawing inspiration from international precedents like Japan’s Kotoen and programs such as “Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds,” the project proposes an integrated senior housing and preschool model. The design focuses on voluntary interaction, shared spaces, and the benefits these exchanges bring for both children and seniors—including improved mental health, reduced loneliness, and a greater sense of purpose and understanding.
The project is located in Kalmar, Sweden, in a nature-rich coastal area. The architecture is designed to harmonize with its surroundings, using low, broken-up forms to preserve natural light and privacy. Shared indoor and outdoor spaces, such as a library, dining areas, gardens, and creative studios, encourage connection while also allowing for independence. The result is a living environment where seniors and children can meet naturally, share activities, and grow together, supporting the idea that we live longer, healthier, and happier lives when we live together. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9210671
- author
- Franzén, Maja LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- AAHM10 20251
- year
- 2025
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Intergenerational meetings Loneliness Wellbeing Preschool Senior living Social sustainability Nature connection
- language
- English
- id
- 9210671
- date added to LUP
- 2025-08-26 10:49:05
- date last changed
- 2025-08-26 10:49:05
@misc{9210671,
abstract = {{We live in an increasingly individualistic society where involuntary loneliness, especially among older adults, has become a growing issue. In Sweden, where single-person households are common, many seniors, particularly those over 65 who live alone, report feeling lonely. At the same time, children are growing up with limited contact with older generations, as everyday interactions between age groups have diminished. This project explores how architecture can help reconnect these generations and promote well-being through intergenerational exchange.
The research began with a literature review investigating the connection between health, social interaction, and intergenerational meetings. While some care homes collaborate with preschools, there is a clear gap for seniors who live independently but still wish to engage socially. Drawing inspiration from international precedents like Japan’s Kotoen and programs such as “Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds,” the project proposes an integrated senior housing and preschool model. The design focuses on voluntary interaction, shared spaces, and the benefits these exchanges bring for both children and seniors—including improved mental health, reduced loneliness, and a greater sense of purpose and understanding.
The project is located in Kalmar, Sweden, in a nature-rich coastal area. The architecture is designed to harmonize with its surroundings, using low, broken-up forms to preserve natural light and privacy. Shared indoor and outdoor spaces, such as a library, dining areas, gardens, and creative studios, encourage connection while also allowing for independence. The result is a living environment where seniors and children can meet naturally, share activities, and grow together, supporting the idea that we live longer, healthier, and happier lives when we live together.}},
author = {{Franzén, Maja}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Learning Together; a design proposal for a combined preschool and senior living space}},
year = {{2025}},
}