Exploring how the built environment facilitates intergenerational engagement

In response, Torrens University Australia researchers have studied a purpose-built intergenerational housing environment that aims to foster meaningful interactions between generations.

Associate Professor Clare Littleton, Director for Research Centre for Healthy Sustainable Development (CHSD), with her colleagues Professor Zelinna Pablo, Dr Denise d’Souza and Dr Louise Townsin, led the two- part research project, in partnership with ECH Aged Care, Echoes Montessori, and Walter Brooke, and the Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice (AIIP).

Partnership, purpose, and a platform for growth

ECH led the vision for an innovative vertical village for independent retirement living and collaborated with Echoes Montessori to design a purpose-built intergenerational setting, with Walter Brooke Architect making it a reality.

Recognising the potential of purpose-built intergenerational housing, CHSD at Torrens University was invited to conduct a research case study which found that purpose-built intergenerational housing fosters positive ongoing relationships, meaningful intergenerational engagement, and could contribute to a sustainable community where both generations can live and learn.

Torrens University will co-host the 4th AIIP Annual Conference: Connecting generations for life at its Surry Hills campus in Sydney, February 21–22, featuring research presentations, practitioner stories, and panel discussions.

Keynote speakers include Professor Mark Williams, cognitive neuroscientist and author of The connected species, and Professor Susan Kurrle AO, geriatrician and researcher from Sydney University.

Research approach

The research, led by Assoc. Professor Clare Littleton, aimed to explore how the built environment fosters intergenerational engagement. The interdisciplinary team included Prof. Zelinna Pablo, Dr Denise de Souza and Dr Louise Townsin, along with Emirate Professor and Torrens University Australia Adjunct Annika Fitzgerald, and Jessica Langford Co-Founder and Community Coordinator at Echoes Montessori.

The study had two main components: stakeholder interviews exploring drivers and challenges of best practice collaboration when developing purpose-built intergenerational housing; and a photovoice study capturing the perspectives of children and older adults engaging within this setting.

Voices of the community

Using photovoice method, participants captured over 140 photos showcasing how spaces and objects support intergenerational engagement. Images depicted formal areas like classrooms and informal spaces like lifts and spots frequented by a resident cat. Key locations included the library, community gardens, and apartments, with green spaces and natural light enhancing shared experiences.

“It was fascinating to see children’s perspectives as they described daily interactions with their grand-friends, highlighting the importance of embedding intergenerational practice in the design,” said Assoc. Prof. Littleton.

“Understanding the drivers and challenges of these developments help engage with government and industry to support housing that enables ageing in place and strengthens intergenerational connections,” said Assoc. Prof. Littleton.

The research was presented at the 2024 AIIP conference and the South Australian Gerontology Conference, where Assoc. Prof. Littleton’s keynote highlighted the growing interest in intergenerational housing.

A new model for housing and connection

This initiative aligns with the global movement toward fostering social connection. The World Health Organization identifies intergenerational practice as an effective strategy to combat ageism and loneliness.

“As demand grows, this model makes sense both socially and economically,” said Carolyn Dawkins, head of customer experience at ECH Aged Care. “Older adults and children thrive in these daily intergenerational interactions.”

“Sharing land allows children and their ‘grand-friends’ to live and learn together. The sustainable setting provides the foundation for authentic friendships to develop,” said Jessica Langford from Echoes Montessori.

Intergenerational housing offers a dual solution to the housing crisis and loneliness epidemic.

“This model isn’t just for aged care; loneliness affects all ages. We need environments where single mothers, young professionals, and older adults can co-exist and thrive,” said Assoc. Prof. Littleton.

CHSD: solving complex policy issues

CHSD is a social research centre focused on health, education, and housing, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and industry partnerships to address complex policy challenges. With 28 researchers and key industry partners, CHSD conducts interdisciplinary research aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Future plans for the intergenerational housing project include expanding case studies and exploring more models across Australia and globally.

By connecting generations, purpose-built intergenerational housing addresses challenges like ageing, loneliness, and appropriate housing. As more organisations adopt this model, older Australians can age in place while both children and adults thrive in vibrant, intergenerational communities. Torrens University’s CHSD is positioned to make a significant impact by fostering partnerships and creating inclusive, sustainable communities.