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Designs for Intergenerational Living

2002-03

In 2002 the City of Chicago kicked off a competition for licensed architects to design a community center comprising a Senior Satellite Center, two Head Start classrooms and ten dwelling units for low-income senior grandparents raising their grandchildren – “Grand Families”. The center is to be designed to meet Universal Design criteria for barrier-free living. Archeworks was asked to be the City of Chicago’s education partner for this project, to get to know Grand Families personally to understand the challenges they face in their daily lives.

Archeworks hosted a symposium for the five finalist architects with three panels of experts on early childhood development, senior learning, and Grand Family living. Designs and models from the finalists were on display at the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

Also responding to research findings regarding the lack of communication among generations, the Archeworks team developed a game called “Echo”. The team tested the game with a number of diverse focus groups including Grandparents at a South Side senior center, suburban pre-teens, a combination of grandparents and grandchildren, and graduate students. Reaction was very positive from all test groups and we're currently investigating how to bring the game to market, and are considering a number of versions for different audiences.

Contact Email:
info@archeworks.org