Articles

Insight & Ideas

Thinking from the Whatif team on regeneration, placemaking, health and the future of our towns and communities.

Intergenerational Living: Building Communities, Not Just Homes

Kevin Parkes, Co-Founder

Everyone agrees intergenerational living is a good idea. It promises better health, less loneliness and stronger neighbourhoods. So why have we built so little of it in the UK? Kevin Parkes looks at the real barriers, and what it would take to deliver these communities commercially.

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Intergenerational Living: The Biggest Mistake We Are Making

Kevin Parkes, Co-Founder

Everyone agrees on the benefits, so why are genuine examples so rare? Kevin Parkes argues the industry's biggest mistake is treating intergenerational living as a housing product, when it is really an operating model, and makes the commercial case for investing in community.

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Can Intergenerational Living Work Commercially?

Kevin Parkes, Co-Founder

Yes, but only if we stop delivering these schemes like conventional housing. Kevin Parkes on the commercial model behind intergenerational living, and what it takes across planning, valuation, finance and stewardship.

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What Does a Successful Intergenerational Neighbourhood Actually Look Like?

Kevin Parkes, Co-Founder

If intergenerational living is more than a housing product, what does it actually look like on the ground? Kevin Parkes on designing neighbourhoods around people, public realm, adaptable homes and stewardship.

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Could Intergenerational Living Become the Next Major Regeneration Model for UK Towns and Cities?

Kevin Parkes, Co-Founder

The final article in the series. Perhaps the bigger opportunity isn't to rethink housing, but to rethink regeneration. Kevin Parkes on Place First Economics, health, and reinventing the town centre.

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