Credit: Mitchell Joachim, Christian Hubert, Nicholas Gervasi

Multi-generational housing for America

Multigen housing addresses the contradictory requirements of enabling several generations of a single family to live together, while recognizing the desire for mobility as part of changing family relationships. Multigen components can be integrated into different settlement patterns, including cities, suburbs, and rural areas. They include both fixed and mobile elements, as well as a variety of architectural types and styles. These accommodate the different and changing desires and lifestyles of multiple generations living together.

Combinations of fixed and mobile elements provide a variety of options for both autonomy and community in multi-generational housing. The mobile units can be detached or integrated into the larger structures. They can range from readily-available RV’s and trailers to customized modular homes with power trains. This flexibility will enable generations to live together, but still preserve options to move away for any length of time. The increased options will allow for a semi-nomadic social life, that responds to both intergenerational affinities and conflicts. The mobile elements can also be designed to function for a variety of time or distance requirements – based on efficiency and need – from going on an errand to relocating to another part of the country.

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