Gowanus Multigenerational Housing

Gowanus Multi-Generational Housing

Situated in a former industrial zone within walking distance of the Gowanus Canal, this housing project is a vibrant multigenerational and multicultural community designed specifically for immigrant families. The development is built around the idea of sharing culinary traditions as a way to foster connections and celebrate diverse cultural heritage.

Vicky Yi Yun Luo, Rhea Iyer

Professors: Ane Gonzalez Lara

This project proposes multigenerational housing in Gowanus, Brooklyn, designed to address the isolation experienced by recent immigrants and local seniors by fostering connections between the two groups.

During my work with Meals on Wheels, I observed significant loneliness among individuals disconnected from their communities—particularly senior empty nesters and immigrant families adapting to new surroundings. This proposal introduces a cooperative housing model that brings these demographics together, encouraging mutual support and shared experiences. By integrating shared spaces and activities, the project seeks to create a vibrant, intergenerational community that combats isolation while fostering meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.

Immigrant families often face challenges balancing work and family responsibilities, as parents typically have less time to manage household needs. Meanwhile, many seniors spend much of their time at home due to a lack of social connections or mobility issues caused by health concerns.

Long-term senior residents possess deep knowledge of their neighborhood and city, and many enjoy sharing advice and guidance. In contrast, immigrant families often experience loneliness stemming from unfamiliarity with their new surroundings, which can make them hesitant to explore the area. Bridging these two groups offers an opportunity to foster connections and mutual support, addressing both loneliness and practical challenges.

We chose food, a daily necessity, as a way to encourage interaction and cultural exchange among residents. Food plays a vital role in sharing traditions and fostering connections between people.

Residents are invited to connect through shared kitchens, while small kitchenettes in their units allow for quick, individualized meal preparation. The project incorporates three scales of kitchens to support various needs and interactions. At the micro-scale, family-sized kitchenettes provide convenience for everyday cooking. Medium-scale shared kitchens allow residents to experiment with different culinary styles, promoting collaboration. Finally, the industrial kitchen and open food market serve as a bridge to the larger Gowanus community, extending the project’s reach and fostering broader engagement.

At the largest scale of food sharing, the Marketplace serves as a vibrant, triple-story space crafted from local materials. It features multiple kitchens dedicated to a variety of cuisines, creating a dynamic and relaxing environment for preparing and enjoying food. Open to the public, the Marketplace invites the local community to connect with long-term residents and share in the project’s living experience.

The space extends to a patio that includes a small community garden and outdoor dining areas, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. It also overlooks the project’s serene interior garden courtyard, blending community engagement with natural beauty.