In India, the concept of family has always been central to our way of life. For centuries, large families have lived together, forming close-knit communities that prioritized collective well-being over individual pursuits. This deep-rooted traditional way of living fostered strong bonds and a secure environment where each member prospered within a shared sense of purpose and belonging.
The evolution of family structures
In the past couple of decades, rapid economic growth and societal changes have led to a significant shift in the structure of Indian families. The rise of nuclear families has been one of the most notable trends, with industry reports indicating that around 50% of Indian families are now nuclear, and around 75% of incremental households in the country have gone nuclear in the past 14 years.
This shift is driven by families’ ability to sustain themselves in smaller units, the availability of adequate support systems, and the growing need for space and time for individual expression. While this trend has spurred economic growth and created demand for a range of services tailored to the needs of nuclear families, it has also, in many ways, shaped the modern real estate industry.
Striking a balance between tradition and modernity
Neither the traditional joint family structure nor the modern nuclear family fully addresses the need for holistic living. In large families confined to limited spaces, individual expression and aspirations often take a backseat, while in nuclear families, the richness of intergenerational interactions is lost. Elderly parents are seeing decreased daily support from their children, grandchildren miss out on the wisdom and warmth of their grandparents, and parents often struggle to balance their careers with the demands of both children and aging parents. A study published in the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships explored intergenerational housing programs where older adults and younger generations live together. The research found that these arrangements fostered a sense of community, reduced loneliness, and improved mental well-being for both groups. Older adults benefited from the energy and social engagement of the younger generation, while the younger people gained from the wisdom and experience of the elders.
As with most aspects of life, the ideal balance lies not at the extremes but in the middle. Living a full life requires merging the best of both worlds, creating a need for residential spaces that promote intergenerational living.
Designing intergenerational living spaces to live well
In today’s fast-paced world, when every individual faces a paucity of time, thoughtfully designed intergenerational residential spaces offer the perfect balance. These communities not only keep families together but also ensure that each generation has the space and support needed to thrive. Biophilic design elements reconnect inhabitants with nature, a crucial aspect of the Indian lifestyle that is often missing in modern living. Architectural elements like jaalis and courtyards, which were integral to traditional Indian buildings and adapted to the country’s climatic conditions, significantly enhance microclimatic conditions within communities. Sustainability is a key focus, with features such as rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, natural light optimization, air quality enhancement through greenery, pollution management, and cross-ventilation integrated into the living spaces.
Intentional design thinking is at the core of these intergenerational communities, catering to the diverse needs of all age groups. This includes adopting ergonomic, acoustic and thermal considerations in living and moving along the community. Public and personal spaces are designed keeping accessibility considerations, especially addressing the challenges of the elderly and differently abled people. This also includes leveraging necessary technology to make life and living meaningful and convenient.
Intergenerational communities are also built with a strong emphasis on health and wellness. Residents have access to nutritious, organic food options, as well as curated food and beverage offerings that cater to different nutritional needs. The design of these spaces encourages a healthy lifestyle, with areas dedicated to physical activity, relaxation, and wellness. Additionally, the availability of quality healthcare facilities ensures that both preventive and curative health needs are met, supporting the overall well-being of every generation.
A community for all generations
At the heart of it, intergenerational residential developments create vibrant communities where people of all ages can live and flourish. These communities foster physical, emotional, familial and community well-being, providing spaces that encourage interaction, recreation, and a deep sense of belonging. A space where three generations live in the vicinity, have the space to maximize their potential and yet support each other at any hour, the intergenerational residential projects are creating spaces where people live together, live closer, and live well.
