「JOIE de Vivre」
InterGenerational Co-housing + Social Complex @ Chinatown, Calgary
by Dexter Zhenshi Lu, Edward Chang'An Wang & Boxu Zeng
The Demographic Group of
“Multiple Disadvantaged Identities”
Just north to the vibrant city centre, the community of Chinatown has a surprisingly aged demographic profile – senior citizens (65 years & older) accounts for up to 28% of its total population (695 out of 2,471). Meanwhile, given the unique historical origin of Chinatown, many of those senior citizens possess "multiple disadvantaged identities" - being recent naturalized immigrants, low-income, & having no knowledge of either English or French. Consequently, this would leave them stranded in social isolation, due to severe language barrier, lack of community engagement, mental health / depression, etc.
Therefore, our project is dedicated to this vulnerable & marginalized demographic group, by introducing intergenerational co-housing, connecting these immigrant seniors with college students (mostly from SAPL CBDLab / Bow Valley College nearby); as well as fostering social dynamics & communal sense of belonging through public programs such as language tutoring, community garden, entertainment & so on. Our vision is to transform a current surface parking lot into "more hopeful spaces" (Soja, 2010, p. 92), to improve their Quality of Life through empathetic design initiatives, bring them their long overdue Joie de Vivre.
Connect + Socialize
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Program - Living
Proposing an intergenerational co-housing program, connecting these immigrant seniors with college students to form a mutually beneficial housing relationship.
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Program - Social
In addition, also incorporating vibrant public programs, to foster social dynamics & communal sense of belonging.
Overall Program Use - Intergenerational Co-housing with Public Programs to Improve QOL & Build a Vibrant Community Hub.
310 4 Ave SE / Impark Lot #185
Proposed Site
Sectional Axonometrics - Vibrant Public & Service Programs in the Podium
L1: Community Salon, Community Hydroponics, Café, Retail L2: Classrooms, Médiathèque L3: Counselling Services, Event Space L4: Community Kitchen, Roof Garden
Interior Perspective - Community Salon
2 BR Units for 1 Senior + 1 Student or 2 Students & 3 BR Units for 1 Senior Couple + 2 Students
4 BR Units for 2 Seniors + 2 Students & 4 BR Units Barrier-Free for 4 Seniors
2 BR Loft for 1 Senior + 1 Student or 2 Students & 3 BR Loft for 1 Senior Couple + 2 Students or 3 Students
Interior Perspective - 4 BR Unit, Living / Dining / Kitchen
Typical Plan / Level 5 - 15
Typical Plan / Level 17 - 23
Typical Plan / Level 24 - 30
Axonometrics - Shared Green Space & Green Terraces in the Tower
Exterior Perspective - Aerial View of Shared Green Spaces in Tower Mid-Level from Northeast
Interior Perspective - View of Shared Green Spaces & Green Terracesin Tower Higher-Levels
Exterior Perspective - View from Southwest along 4th Ave SE