Date of Submission
Spring 5-12-2026
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Ehsan Sheikholharam Mashhadi
Abstract
15 Cigarettes per day. Loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of premature death just as much as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Research shows loneliness and social isolation can be so serious that for some the only way out is to resort to addictive behaviors. This is becoming a widespread public health concern. Social science research links the risk of social isolation and loneliness to two of our society’s most vulnerable age groups: the elderly and children. Orphans are among the ones who miss out on the opportunity to form these connections. Similarly, retired adults, especially those who experience social isolation, long for an outlet of social responsibility and belonging. This thesis intends to create a campus where the elderly and orphans can not only live together but also engage in shared social activities that embrace life experiences. Such spaces already existed! Dating back to the 14th century, conservatoires like Ospedale della Pieta were places where orphans not only lived but also attended music school and gained life skills. Here, they were watched over by elders, who also dwelled with them. Beyond historical cases, research also unearths social scientific data on how intergenerational connections provide exceptional health and wellbeing for both groups, particularly when combined with purposeful programming. This has been done by incorporating aspects of intergenerational communities through the combination of communal actives and housing. The design framework will focus on the notion of “plasticity of social space” to bring together these separate domains and enrich their distinct needs without creating forced cohabitation. Spatial points can be distinguished into separated private living, and private and public activities depending on what can be done together with both generations. To provide zones of interaction, this project designs shared spaces for art, music, boardgames, movie nights, group cooking, and more. The proposed site is in Clearwater, Florida where there is a large population of both retired elderly and orphaned children. Denise Scott Brown argues that “architecture can’t force people to connect; it can only plan the crossing points, remove barriers, and make the meeting places useful and attractive. This thesis aims to create these spaces where their voids of connection, belonging and social engagement can be filled simultaneously through each other.