This case study explores a unique intergenerational program that brings together older adults and young children in a shared care environment. The initiative was developed to address the need for meaningful, consistent connections across generations — going beyond occasional visits or field trips. The program is designed to allow children between 3-6 and older adults to interact naturally and frequently, fostering emotional bonds, social learning, and mutual enrichment. Through thoughtful design choices, collaborative planning, and flexible programming, the project offers a powerful model for inclusive, community-based care.
1. Vision
Original Concept: aimed to establish lasting, meaningful relationships between children and older individuals, drawing inspiration from other intergenerational initiatives that failed because of physical distance and uneven participation. The goal was to create shared, intentionally designed spaces by removing operational and architectural obstacles that impeded connection.
2. FUNCTIONALITY: Design Enhances Functionality
The program follows a play-based learning approach that emphasizes discovery via self-directed engagement. To facilitate this while incorporating older adults (referred to as "grand-friends"), classrooms were constructed to be 1.5 times the typical size to provide space for mobility aids and enhance spatial flexibility.
This additional area allows for various forms of interaction to occur simultaneously: group play, individual exploration, and quiet one-on-one engagement. Crucially, it empowers children to decide how and when they wish to interact. Furthermore, community rooms were established as shared, neutral spaces that represent both groups.
Educators promote functionality through a "permission to play" framework — introducing straightforward, semi-structured activities (such as crafts and sensory bins) to help foster connections. Staff also assist with communication techniques and pair grand-friends with children based on shared interests and personality traits.
3. BRAND: Design Shapes Identity
The initiative established a fresh brand image focused on community and emotional connections. Instead of a formal aesthetic, the design promotes a cozy, welcoming environment. Selections of furniture are driven by the desire for accessibility, comfort, and visual balance — items for both adults and children coexist to encourage equal participation. Through visual aesthetics, programming, and communal traditions, the brand expresses warmth, agency, and respect. The public message highlights inclusion, purpose, and continuity across different generations. Parents, particularly those from newcomer families, have reacted favorably, perceiving the program as an opportunity for their children to form significant, grandparent-like relationships as a lot of their biological grandparents are in a different country so they don’t have see them often. This also helps them create relationships and meet people within the new city that they have just moved to.
4. ENVIRONMENT: Design Incorporates Environmental Advantages
Decisions regarding environmental design were made with attention to both physical and emotional wellness. The furniture is designed to feel homely while providing support for prolonged seating. The lighting is soft and avoids harsh LEDs to be gentler on sensitive eyes and the cognitive systems of both developing children and the elderly. Soundproofing measures were put in place to minimize noise disruptions for participants with hearing difficulties. Outdoor spaces include nature-inspired play areas — featuring gardens, dirt, mulch, and trees — encouraging sensory exploration for children while ensuring safety and accessibility for older adults. Classroom layouts incorporate varying noise levels, with more boisterous play zones and quieter spaces designated for personal interaction, reading, or relaxing. The design also enhances visibility throughout the areas (e.g., using windowed rooms) to facilitate even passive interactions (like waving or smiling) on days when direct contact isn’t feasible.
5. HEALTH & WELLBEING: Design Enhances Health & Wellbeing
Although formal studies concerning children under six in these environments are still being developed, initial responses have been encouraging. Grand-friends experience renewed purpose and social connections, while children cultivate empathy, communication, and emotional skills. For many newcomer families, this serves as a vital link to cultural and generational connections. Wellbeing is fostered not only through social interaction but also through the design of spaces: quiet zones, seating that encourages face-to-face communication, and community areas for casual engagement. Grand-friends introduce their hobbies, such as gardening or crafting, into the program, enhancing children's learning experiences while providing cognitive stimulation for older adults. The team prefers less rigid programs in favor of spontaneous, interest-driven activities that resonate with the passions of both groups. As a result, a well-rounded environment naturally promotes mental, emotional, and social health through thoughtful design.
