Modular living for four generations
With increasing life expectancy, our society is becoming a four-generation society. Geneva is taking up this challenge and developing a prototype for flexible, intergenerational housing that makes the best use of limited land resources and responds to changing needs.
Geneva society is facing a major challenge. The existing housing stock is not sufficient to meet the growing needs of an ageing population. The current housing stock is designed for a three-generation society and does not take sufficient account of the specific requirements of a four-generation society. This change means new housing requirements, such as flexible room layouts, barrier-free access and temporary spaces for guests or carers.
A flexible housing prototype
To meet these requirements, a consortium comprising public services, architects, property consultants, construction and energy engineers, building cooperatives and experts in social housing and socio-medical services is working on an innovative housing prototype. The prototype is designed to be flexible in use and to take account of the housing needs of all age groups. The adaptive elements of the model can be applied to different types of building and should highlight cross-sectoral synergies in the areas of health, housing and costs.
Land resources and innovation laboratory
Finding suitable land is a particular challenge in Geneva, where land resources are scarce. Identifying and using suitable land is therefore a central element of the project. In addition to developing the flexible housing prototype, a temporary laboratory hall will be created. This hall will serve as a platform for experimentation, discussion and the display of architectural models. It will be available to project participants and the general public, and will encourage discussion and consensus-building within the project.
A look into the future
The Geneva project shows how cities can adapt to demographic change and develop innovative housing solutions. The flexible housing prototype and accompanying innovation laboratory are pioneering approaches to adapting housing to the needs of an ageing society while making efficient use of limited land resources. This initiative represents an important step towards improving the quality of life for all generations and creating sustainable and viable housing models.