Intergenerational Storytelling Machine

This thesis is an investigation of how architecture can better enable socially sustainable intergenerational integration through the creation of a new care typology - the Intergenerational Storytelling Machine. The collision of generations through story and play will formalise a new care environment, designed to optimise cross pollination of old and young to improve health. The proposal will focus on creating a multi-use settlement centring on storytelling as a medium for slow-paced production and creation. The Intergenerational Storytelling Machine will contain aged care and child care facilities with storytelling places interwoven throughout, becoming a working display of intergenerational integration.

The living floor - aged care and child care are colocated in one building and public care is in the other - a garden acts as the mediator between.

The sleeping floor - private aged care rooms and the child care sleeping rooms live on the quiet floor with garden space for connection or contemplation.

Sections through the main buildings - voids interconnect storytelling places throughout the building.

The garden, play pavilion and fire pit are three of the outdoor storytelling places for intergenerational connection.

The amphitheatre, performance space and reading room are a few indoor examples of storytelling places for collective sensemaking and collaboration.