Analysis of Cross-Generational Co-Living Space Configuration in Residential Communities—Case Study in China and Italy Based on Space Syntax
In contemporary society, a notable trend of diminishing family sizes has led to an increasing number of elderly individuals living in solitude, often facing the end of life alone. This phenomenon underscores a critical challenge: addressing the pervasive loneliness experienced by many seniors. In re...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2024-01-01
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| Series: | Buildings |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/2/346 |
| _version_ | 1827343955241467904 |
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| author | Dongqing Zhang Nicoletta Setola Yi Chen |
| author_facet | Dongqing Zhang Nicoletta Setola Yi Chen |
| author_sort | Dongqing Zhang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In contemporary society, a notable trend of diminishing family sizes has led to an increasing number of elderly individuals living in solitude, often facing the end of life alone. This phenomenon underscores a critical challenge: addressing the pervasive loneliness experienced by many seniors. In response to this pressing issue, the concept of “cross-generational co-living” emerges as a potential solution. By exploring and implementing cross-generational co-living models, this research contributes to the development of more inclusive, supportive, and adaptable environments. The investigation involved an extensive field study and comprehensive data analysis of twenty-four instances of cross-generational co-living spaces in China and Italy. This analysis utilized space syntax as a fundamental theoretical framework, incorporating convex graphical topological relationship extraction and visibility graph analysis models. The outcomes of the study indicate that the configuration of cross-generational co-living spaces include spatial form, type, location, and the proportion of areas. Spaces arranged in a cluster form are most effective in promoting mutual communication. Spatial types and locations characterized by elevated integration values demonstrate a heightened potential for cross-generational communication. Space possessing a higher integration value typically correlates with a reduced ratio of area discreteness. These findings are instrumental in understanding how cultural and societal variances shape the design and utilization of cross-generational co-living spaces. Consequently, this study provides valuable guidelines for improving environments that are essential for advancing the principles of age-friendly design, which aims to enhance the quality of life for the elderly and foster a more harmonious and interconnected society across all generations. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-07T22:39:59Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-ba117b3b9d454e1b85fc27c300d3e16d |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2075-5309 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-07T22:39:59Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Buildings |
| spelling | doaj.art-ba117b3b9d454e1b85fc27c300d3e16d2024-02-23T15:09:58ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092024-01-0114234610.3390/buildings14020346Analysis of Cross-Generational Co-Living Space Configuration in Residential Communities—Case Study in China and Italy Based on Space SyntaxDongqing Zhang0Nicoletta Setola1Yi Chen2College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, ChinaDepartment of Architecture, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, ItalyCollege of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, ChinaIn contemporary society, a notable trend of diminishing family sizes has led to an increasing number of elderly individuals living in solitude, often facing the end of life alone. This phenomenon underscores a critical challenge: addressing the pervasive loneliness experienced by many seniors. In response to this pressing issue, the concept of “cross-generational co-living” emerges as a potential solution. By exploring and implementing cross-generational co-living models, this research contributes to the development of more inclusive, supportive, and adaptable environments. The investigation involved an extensive field study and comprehensive data analysis of twenty-four instances of cross-generational co-living spaces in China and Italy. This analysis utilized space syntax as a fundamental theoretical framework, incorporating convex graphical topological relationship extraction and visibility graph analysis models. The outcomes of the study indicate that the configuration of cross-generational co-living spaces include spatial form, type, location, and the proportion of areas. Spaces arranged in a cluster form are most effective in promoting mutual communication. Spatial types and locations characterized by elevated integration values demonstrate a heightened potential for cross-generational communication. Space possessing a higher integration value typically correlates with a reduced ratio of area discreteness. These findings are instrumental in understanding how cultural and societal variances shape the design and utilization of cross-generational co-living spaces. Consequently, this study provides valuable guidelines for improving environments that are essential for advancing the principles of age-friendly design, which aims to enhance the quality of life for the elderly and foster a more harmonious and interconnected society across all generations.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/2/346aging in communitiescross-generational co-living spacespatial configurationage-friendly designspace syntax |
| spellingShingle | Dongqing Zhang Nicoletta Setola Yi Chen Analysis of Cross-Generational Co-Living Space Configuration in Residential Communities—Case Study in China and Italy Based on Space Syntax Buildings aging in communities cross-generational co-living space spatial configuration age-friendly design space syntax |
| title | Analysis of Cross-Generational Co-Living Space Configuration in Residential Communities—Case Study in China and Italy Based on Space Syntax |
| title_full | Analysis of Cross-Generational Co-Living Space Configuration in Residential Communities—Case Study in China and Italy Based on Space Syntax |
| title_fullStr | Analysis of Cross-Generational Co-Living Space Configuration in Residential Communities—Case Study in China and Italy Based on Space Syntax |
| title_full_unstemmed | Analysis of Cross-Generational Co-Living Space Configuration in Residential Communities—Case Study in China and Italy Based on Space Syntax |
| title_short | Analysis of Cross-Generational Co-Living Space Configuration in Residential Communities—Case Study in China and Italy Based on Space Syntax |
| title_sort | analysis of cross generational co living space configuration in residential communities case study in china and italy based on space syntax |
| topic | aging in communities cross-generational co-living space spatial configuration age-friendly design space syntax |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/2/346 |
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