Qinghuayuan Intergenerational Community Center Renovation by ATELIER XI: A Model for All-Age Community Living

The Qinghuayuan Intergenerational Community Center Renovation, designed by ATELIER XI and completed in 2023, is an innovative architectural project located in the Qibin District of Hebi, Henan Province, China. Serving a densely populated residential area with over 12,000 residents, one-third of whom are children and elderly, the project redefines community engagement through intergenerational design and multifunctional urban planning.

Integrating Community Services with Elderly Care and Childcare

Originally, the existing building functioned as two separate entities: a Community Service Center for adults and a kindergarten for children. Managed independently, these facilities catered to distinct demographics without interaction. The renovation merges these two functions into a cohesive intergenerational community hub, reflecting the latest models of integrated elderly care and childcare.

Through spatial reorganization, the center now fosters mutual respect and interaction among residents of all ages, embodying the principles of a “15-minute neighborhood”, where essential services are accessible within a short walk. The renovation prioritizes inclusivity, creating an environment that encourages shared experiences, collaboration, and learning across generations.

Interactive Spaces for All Ages

A central feature of the renovation is the intergenerational interaction zone, strategically positioned between the kindergarten and the community center. This flexible hub includes a library and a multipurpose hall that can be accessed independently by each demographic during different time slots, ensuring safety and adaptability. During special occasions, such as festivals or community events, the space opens fully to all residents, promoting collective engagement.

To accommodate working parents, children remaining after kindergarten hours can spend time in the library under the supervision of community staff, blending educational support with childcare services. This thoughtful design approach enhances daily convenience while nurturing a culture of intergenerational learning.

Accessibility and Inclusive Design

The renovation emphasizes universal accessibility. Newly installed elevators connect every floor, providing easy access for elderly, children, and residents with disabilities to various community services. The entrance hall has been reimagined as a double-height space, facilitating visual interaction and fostering a sense of connection among residents. This spatial design encourages a culture of mutual care, reinforcing the center’s role as a social nucleus for the community.

Collaborative Operations and Elderly Services

ATELIER XI’s design integrates community partnerships and social entrepreneurship into the daily operation of the center. External organizations provide specialized services for elderly care, children’s activities, and health consultation, creating a community-based elderly care model.

The center offers a variety of facilities for elderly residents, including learning centers, age-friendly fitness rooms, community canteens, chess rooms, and psychological counseling spaces. Multifunctional classrooms host activities such as instrument lessons, dance, choir, calligraphy, and handicrafts, providing opportunities for active learning and social engagement throughout the week. This comprehensive approach ensures residents of all ages remain engaged, active, and socially connected.

A Vibrant and Sustainable Architectural Expression

The renovation introduces a cohesive and vibrant architectural identity. The exterior, previously austere and fragmented, is now enveloped in light green metal mesh panels designed to support climbing vines, enhancing the center’s integration with nature and creating a lively community image.

Interior spaces feature a warm and inviting palette, with wooden finishes and white walls that cultivate a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. At night, the illuminated interiors shine through the facade, transforming the center into a beacon of community interaction, symbolizing belonging, care, and mutual assistance.

The Qinghuayuan Intergenerational Community Center Renovation exemplifies innovative urban community architecture. By combining elderly care, childcare, and communal services under one roof, ATELIER XI has created a multifunctional hub that promotes social cohesion, accessibility, and lifelong learning. This project serves as a model for intergenerational community planning, offering a blueprint for inclusive, resilient, and vibrant urban neighborhoods in China and beyond.

All photographs are works of  Zhang Chao