Research on Evaluation and Design Strategies of Cross-generational Co-living Space in Residential Neighborhood

In the context of the digital age, younger and middle-aged to elderly groups exhibit dual characteristics: increased time spent on virtual social interactions and reduced frequency of real-world exchanges. Meanwhile, with the intensification of population aging and the miniaturization of family structures, traditional cross-generational mutual-assistance living models based on blood relations are gradually shifting towards cross-generational interaction and shared living (referred to as crossgenerational co-living). However, existing research both domestically and internationally predominantly focuses on theoretical discussions of cross-generational interaction or spatial demand analyses for single demographic groups, lacking in-depth exploration into changes in intergenerational interaction forms under the digital era and the interactive mechanisms between older adults and other age groups in public spaces. Therefore, how to promote physical interactions and cooperation among multi-generational groups within public spaces primarily used by older adults in residential communities through design methods, effectively realizing the concept of crossgenerational co-living, has become an important scientific issue that urgently needs addressing. This study takes this context as its background and centers on the object of "cross-generational co-living space in residential neighborhood," conducting empirical research focused on "space evaluation" and "optimization strategies." The aim is to explore how to quantitatively analyze and evaluate cross-generational coliving spaces and propose targeted design optimization strategies to address the weakening of intergenerational interactions in the era of virtual social networking. The study adopts a multidisciplinary approach: (1) Conceptual Definition and Theoretical Review: Using Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) as primary data sources, Citespace tools were utilized to comprehensively review foundational theories and research hotspots related to crossgenerational co-living spaces, such as multigenerational housing, cooperative housing, and age-friendly communities. This clarifies the meaning and scope of cross-generational coliving spaces. (2) Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis: In the qualitative phase, systematic observation, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaire surveys were employed, combined with data collection tools, to conduct case studies of cross-generational co-living spaces. Specifically, the behavioral characteristics and usage habits/needs of older adults, children, adolescents, and middle-aged individuals from China and Italy were surveyed. In the quantitative phase, Space Syntax was introduced as a theoretical tool to quantitatively analyze the spatial configuration relationships in cross-generational co-living modes, revealing how integration and visual integration influence the likelihood of spontaneous interactions. (3) Evaluation System Construction and Optimization Strategy Development: By integrating hierarchical fuzzy analysis and multi-objective optimization methods, an evaluation system for cross-generational coliving spaces was established, and optimization design strategies were proposed based on actual cases. The main conclusions are as follows: First, cross-generational co-living refers to the exchange and interaction of groups across different age ranges in shared spaces, involving public social behaviors of two or more generations without blood ties. Social factors influencing the effectiveness of crossgenerational co-living include societal and eldercare backgrounds (intergenerational c u l t u r e , e l d e r c a r e m e t h o d s , w e l f a r e ) , characteristics and habits of older adults (personal cognition, behavior patterns, satisfaction, spatial needs), and operational management (activity organization, participation rates, promotional methods, attracting younger people). Environmental factors include street accessibility, convenience of reaching nearby facilities, barrier-free access, comfort, safety, aesthetics, fun, ergonomics, equipment, flexibility, social participation, open interfaces, community culture/emotional resonance, appropriateness of information, and moderate privacy. Spatial factors include basic spatial features related to types, forms, sizes, and configurations of spaces. Second, cluster-style spatial forms are most conducive to generating direct and indirect crossgenerational exchanges. Spaces most favorable for direct cross-generational interaction include corridors, lobbies, multifunctional halls, bars, entrance plazas, entrance gray spaces, colonnades/connecting corridors, and courtyards. Locations most conducive to indirect (visual) interaction include the center of halls/ squares, edges of courtyards, intersections of lobbies/halls/entrances/corridors, connections between multiple open spaces (window openings, connecting corridors), intersections of corridors with large spaces/rooms, and intersections of long corridors. Except for auxiliary rooms, the lower the dispersion of area sizes and the closer the sizes of various spaces in buildings, the better their effect in generating cross-generational interaction. Third, following five criteria levels, 19 basic items, and 16 advanced items, the paper proposes an evaluation system for crossgenerational co-living space environments and establishes corresponding evaluation grades A1~A5. It summarizes optimization design strategies for cross-generational co-living spaces, including site accessibility, spatial integration, environmental comfort, safety and health, and participation and inclusiveness. On one hand, this study broadens the research boundaries of multi-generational interaction spaces and residential community integration from an architectural design perspective, aiming to alleviate loneliness in later life, providing empirical support for the mechanism research of age-friendly spaces and intergenerational interaction. On the other hand, it investigatesspatial factors influencing the frequency of intergenerational interactions in a quantifiable manner, offering systematic and scientific bases for the evaluation and design of crossgenerational co-living spaces. The research findings provide innovative solutions to promote intergenerational integration in communities and enhance the quality of community spaces, holding significant academic value and practical implications for advancing healthy aging in communities.