HUB
INTERGENERATIONAL LIVING SPACE
After analyzing and identifying Budapest's opportunities for the future in my thesis, I drew up a concept of an intergenerational living space. I named this concept, and thus my diplomaproject, the 'GENE SPACE'.
On the border of Szigetszentmiklós and Budapest, Csepel Island and the peninsula of Lake Kavicsos can be found. I chose the peninsula as the site of my thesis. At this moment, Csepel, laying on the border of the agglomeration, is waiting for revitalization. The unexploited opportunities in this area could help Budapest become a true metropolis. Our society increasingly shows signs of ageing and according to estimates, the number of pensioners will be twice as big as the number of working citizens in 2050. This can be considered the primary problem which has to be addressed as soon as possible.
The creation of the living space between the generations creates an opportunity for us to develop a bridge between the elderly and the younger generations. It provides a platform for knowledge transfer, and promotes traditionalism and the cultural development of individuals of different social strata. We not only have to provide an intellectual background for our aging society, at the same time, we have to reflect on it, and see what kind of consequences the growing differences in the population could entail. The fact that the retired population will be have doubled the working population can transform the societal layers and the city itself. New architectural functions will emerge. Apart from the foundation of the social integration of the aged population triggered by their growing numbers, the emergence of new functions providing for their care will be necessary too.
Thus, the creation of the ‘generation living space’ should not only be concerned with the essential health care and social functions, but with securing a scene for knowledge-transfer, traditions and cultural discussions. The presence of the younger generations at the creation of the bridge is indispensable, as it provides psychological and social stability for both young and old as well as ensuring a flow of information and new thoughts and experiences.
There is an educational function attached to the living space that could offer a space for after-school activities and could also serve as an alternative to the current educational reform. An institution, which unifies the different social groups both from a cultural and social aspect, could serve as an experimental platform for the education of creative thinking and development.
The creative power and local consciousness defining Csepel’s identity should be trusted with the definition of the final product. The inclusion of the conscience of the local inhabitants in defining the urbal structure and cultural research and development is imperative. Art education and encouragement of easthetic affinity could have an impact on the visual environment, certain parts of the district could be developed according to the needs of the locals, with their participation. This system could build a bridge between local government, foreign investment and particular interests. However, the multicultural bridge has the potential to help to create a national identity, to find a regional function, it facilitates for a knowledge-transfer on local and national levels and it could serve as a transformator between East and West.
