MULTI-GENERATION
COMMUNITY

Location: Zurich
Type: Competition, 3rd Prize
Program: Residential
Team: Patrice Gruner, Nafe J. Nafe, Simone Paro, Kamile Kesylyte, Kristina Schramm, Martin König - KLA Studio

CONTEXT

The project is located in a popular residential neighborhood, a dynamic urban area undergoing a significant transformation. A main avenue on the site´s perimeter conveniently provides access and connection to the city´s historic center and the main railway hub. A large green and pedestrian alley runs opposite the avenue, making the residential enclave boast an array of services and amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities, and diverse local businesses with small stores, restaurants and other service providers. There is a feeling of a village, a small-compact scale and community. The green pathway structures the entire area as a sewing with a `nature` thread into the urban landscape, inserting ample spaces and exuberant green for a high standard of living.
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CONCEPT

The traditional village layout draws inspiration for designing an intergenerational housing proposal that aims to replicate their compact and organic feel with within an urban complex. The idea of a central plaza is embraced to foster community interaction, cooperation and bonding, achieved via the setting of individual buildings around a communal courtyard. The combination of green spaces and the buildings of various sizes and heights aims to create a cohesive urban fabric that serves different generations while promoting a shared feel of belonging and community identity. The approach seeks to blend modern living with the timeless feeling of kinship from old-small villages, evoking the vibrant spirit of inclusive community within the city.

CONTENT

The proposal explores the concepts of co-living and co-ageing, where the sense of community is essential. An expansive open space and inner courtyard link seven buildings through a ground floor, with public and semi-public spaces being mixed with specific communal areas and some selected commercial premises. A total of 131 dual-aspect apartments are mixed in the seven blocks, favoring the relation between different age people and providing high-level quality. The ground floor shared podium connects four of the buildings, ensuring smooth circulation efficient operation for the programme. The first floor works as a transition towards the private realms, and some more communal spaces are spread along the development so the interaction between the residents is guaranteed.