Age-friendly designs foster community for all generations
Published on: November 29, 2024
With the world’s population ageing rapidly, the need for innovative, age-inclusive spaces is more pressing than ever. Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of people over 60 will nearly double, reaching 22 percent of the global population, according to the World Health Organization.
As lifespans increase, designing environments that encourage active, healthy and socially connected ageing has become a critical focus. In response, Sweco architects and engineers are pioneering age-friendly built environments that not only support independent living but also foster community engagement and cohesion.
Explore how two of our Danish client projects redefine public space by fostering inclusion, sustainability and community resilience, illustrating a progressive model for modern, intergenerational living.
Through these projects, Sweco’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable design demonstrates how architecture can address demographic changes, promoting fulfilling, interconnected lives across generations.
A hub for all ages: Gauerslund’s vision of cohesive community living
The Gauerslund Community Centre at Kong Gauers Gård — Denmark’s first facility to combine a nursing home and a daycare centre in one structure — represents a groundbreaking approach to public architecture, fostering intergenerational connections. It reimagines how spaces can bring together children, senior citizens and the broader Vejle community, creating daily opportunities for meaningful interactions. At the centre of this project lies a large activity area, designed to facilitate socialisation between nursing home residents, care staff, daycare participants and local citizens. This centralised hub will host community events such as café gatherings, workshop days and even market events, enabling natural and spontaneous encounters across generations.
Beyond indoor facilities, Gauerslund also offers a variety of outdoor areas promoting health and well-being. The daycare centre’s outdoor spaces include engaging features like playfields and mountain bike trails, inviting not only daycare attendees but also local children and school groups to use the space. Additionally, fitness enthusiasts can make use of the designated balance and motor skills tracks, adding vibrancy to the community. Plans even include a small zoo, a delightful addition for daycare children, nursing home residents and visiting families.
Sustainability is central to Gauerslund’s design. Sweco’s architects and engineers have meticulously aligned the project with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, incorporating eco-friendly features such as rainwater collection, biodiversity enhancement and small-scale food production. This integration supports Goals 11 and 13, promoting sustainable cities and climate action. Gauerslund’s design demonstrates how inclusive, multi-use public spaces can advance both community engagement and environmental responsibility, making it a pioneering model for future Danish institutions.
From youth to elderly: The House of Generations redefines community living
The House of Generations, or Generationernes Hus, is an innovative residential complex in Aarhus Docklands that brings together residents from all age groups in one cohesive community. As the first of its kind in Denmark, this 27,400-square-metre facility combines 304 residential units with a range of communal spaces, including a café, exercise rooms, and an educational aquarium. Designed to foster interaction, the building is more than a residence, it’s a shared space where children, youth, adults and the elderly co-exist, supported by accessible services and community-driven amenities.
The residential units are thoughtfully organised to meet diverse needs, including 40 youth apartments, 40 family units, 24 homes for adults with disabilities, 100 senior apartments and 200 care units for older adults. The care units, grouped in clusters of 14-15 homes, cater to residents with significant physical or mental care needs. These units lack kitchens but can be adapted with mini-kitchens if necessary. Senior units, organised into smaller neighbourhoods, are sometimes clustered with family and youth apartments, creating opportunities for cross-generational connections. Each unit is designed to be homely yet functional, with abundant natural and artificial lighting tailored to the needs of older residents.
In addition to residential spaces, the House of Generations includes a 1,485-square-metre daycare centre spanning three floors. This space, designed for up to 150 children, adds vibrancy to the building and enhances its intergenerational appeal. The daycare’s open arrivals square connects with a large, enclosed playground, offering a safe outdoor area. Children also enjoy direct access to outdoor areas featuring garden beds, greenhouses and an outdoor kitchen, allowing them independent exploration without adult accompaniment.
Sweco played a central role in the House of Generations by providing comprehensive engineering consultancy and overseeing the design of essential services, including fire safety, geotechnical, and acoustic engineering. Their involvement ensured the integration of advanced engineering solutions that support the building’s multi-generational, inclusive design.
The House of Generations thus exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban living, where multi-generational integration and community spirit are encouraged within a single, modern development.
