We found that individuals living in the Center Peace neighborhood have close familial ties. Many have lived in this community all their lives and have fond memories and connections with local social networks. As a result there are many intergenerational families in this neighborhood. Families pass down property from generation to generation and often live in the same two-unit duplex home over multiple generations. Instead of encouraging families to move away from this neighborhood, it is important to encourage existing strong multi-generational social ties and find ways to maintain this vibrant community.
This design strategy suggests a flexible solution that allows for families to cycle through their duplex abode as each generation ages. Scholars have called this a strategy for "aging in place." [1] An accessible first floor allows the eldest generation to either have their children live above, assisting them in the more rigorous tasks of daily life, or rent out the upper floor while they live out their retirement years. This system also provides assistance to the second generation, as the grandparents can look after their grandchildren or prepare family meals while their children are away at work. Opening up a shared interior or exterior atrium space in the center of a home provides a central social and shared space. The atrium provides sight lines across top and bottom levels, making communication between the upper and lower units possible without the need to physically move up and down between floor levels. By carving out of a shared space between floors this proposal supplements the lifestyle and unique needs of intergenerational families. [1] Leon Pastalan, Aging in place: the role of housing and social supports, (New York: Routledge, 2015) ix. |
Section highlighting removed architectural elements in blue and additions in red. The cut displays the double height courtyard space that retains the existing ornamental beams of the dining room.
First floor plan highlighting removed architectural elements in blue and additions in red. Note how the highly permeable courtyard space acts as a central hub to the home.
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