Designing a multigenerational residential complex with an emphasis on separability (space development an‎d differentiation)

3/16/2026 12:00:00 AM

The profound transformation from traditional courtyard houses to modern apartments has altered not only the form an‎d physical structure of housing but also the modes of living, behavioral patterns, an‎d social relations of households. Contemporary housing has often been reduced to its sheltering function, failing to respond to the cultural, social, an‎d psychological needs of residents. The elimination of collective spaces in apartment buildings has led to a decline in family interactions an‎d a disruption of intergenerational bonds, leaving significant negative impacts on families’ social capital. Under these circumstances, attention to the concept of multigenerational housing an‎d rethinking the spatial organization of residential complexes can serve as an effective strategy for revitalizing family interactions an‎d enhancing the quality of collective life. The present study aims to identify an‎d explain the physical an‎d conceptual components influencing the design of multigenerational housing an‎d apartment complexes. The main research questions address the different life stages of the core family an‎d their adaptation to multigenerational models, the identification of key components shaping this type of housing, an‎d the analysis of spatial separability at both unit an‎d complex scales. The research method initially relies on library an‎d online studies to identify relevant components. Subsequently, through content analysis of theoretical sources an‎d design precedents, the frequency an‎d significance of each component are examined. Case studies of domestic an‎d international multigenerational housing projects are then analyzed. Finally, the findings are organized into a conceptual framework, an‎d through a design-based research approach, practical design ideas for residential complexes are developed. The results indicate that designing multigenerational residential complexes with an emphasis on spatial flexibility, unit separability, an‎d appropriate adjacency between private an‎d public domains can simultaneously address the economic an‎d social needs of families while fostering intergenerational cohesion an‎d sustainability. Furthermore, rethinking spatial organization patterns in a way that supports both family independence an‎d collective interaction enhances housing quality, strengthens social interactions, an‎d reinforces social capital. Thus, multigenerational apartment housing can be regarded as an innovative response to the challenges of contemporary lifestyles, playing a pivotal role in the future of architecture an‎d urban design.

مجموعه مسكوني , مسكن چند نسلي , تفكيك فضا

Residential Complex , Multigenerational housing , Space separability

Seyed Mohammad Mir Alavi

Dr Mitra Ghaforian