Symbio

Project Information 

Age can lead to both positive and negative consequences in society, with preconceived notions often resulting in exclusion and misunderstandings between generations. Alongside this, there's a growing trend towards individualism, driven in part by increased digital connectivity. Despite the importance of social relationships for mental well-being, loneliness and social isolation remain significant challenges, particularly for older adults. According to WHO some countries reporting that up to 1 in 3 older people feel lonely. With health risks like: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and even death.

One promising solution is intergenerational facilities like collaborations between preschools and eldercare which have shown positive effects on the health and well-being of older adults. However, there's a lack of initiatives to facilitate such interactions.

Symbio, a concept aimed at bringing generations together through gardening and play, seeks to address these challenges by promoting community cohesion and reducing loneliness and prejudices.   

Methods

I began the project with an extensive research phase, Collaborating with Umeå Kommun and places where preschools and elder homes collaborate provided valuable understandings and guided the design process. Insights were gathered from previous studies, current collaborations, and direct conversations with target groups, including seniors and children, as well as observations at intergenerational programs like "Fyraåringarna på äldreboendet." This helped identify key themes such as the importance of nature, movement, and shared goals. The research highlighted the benefits of gardening as a neutral, engaging activity suitable for all ages.  
To structure the design process, I used methods like brainstorming, workshops, and moodboarding. Ideation sessions focused on creating concepts that align with the values identified during research like: feeling needed, accessibility, green environments, safety, encouraging interaction, open environments for creativity, voluntariness, and fun. Various sketches and prototypes were developed and evaluated against these criteria.

Result 

The final design is a multifunctional outdoor space that integrates gardening, water play, and seating areas to encourage interaction between older adults and children. The garden allows for planting and nurturing plants, which promotes physical activity and a sense of accomplishment. Water elements are included to attract children's interest and create opportunities for shared activities. The design also incorporates ergonomic considerations and materials that are safe and durable for all users.

This space aims to improve the quality of life for seniors by providing meaningful social interactions and physical activities, while also offering children a rich, engaging environment. The project addresses the need for environments that support intergenerational engagement and highlights the potential for design to foster community and well-being.