Credits
From InEssence
The project establishes a vibrant intergenerational community center in Athens’ Kypseli neighborhood, responding to the urgent challenges of elderly isolation and the lack of accessible social spaces. By preserving the existing structure and introducing a new timber-framed building wrapped in rammed earth walls, the design emphasizes sustainability and cost efficiency.
The mixed-use development includes residential units that promote cohabitation between elderly residents and young adults, drawing inspiration from successful Scandinavian housing models. The new building also houses a library, workshops, and daycare facilities, creating a dynamic environment where elderly residents engage with children—many from migrant families—fostering social inclusion and mutual support.
The integration of childcare directly addresses local needs, offering a safe space for children to play and learn while their parents work, and providing older residents with meaningful roles as caregivers and mentors. A detailed analysis of daily routines informed the spatial layout, ensuring strategic points of intersection that encourage intergenerational interaction and community bonding.
A shaded central courtyard offers a comfortable outdoor gathering space, designed to accommodate the region’s intense climate and promote informal social exchange. Located near pedestrian-friendly streets frequented by both elderly residents and children, the project strengthens neighborhood cohesion and supports the growth of a diverse, connected community.