Everyday Urbanism for Ageing in Place

Sammanfattning

As global populations age at an unprecedented rate, cities are increasingly becoming the primary environments where later life unfolds. This thesis explores how urban design can better respond to the everyday needs of older adults, focusing on the concept of ageing in place - the ability to live independently, safely, and meaningfully within one’s own home and neighborhood. While ageing in place is widely promoted in policy and planning, existing approaches often concentrate on housing adaptations, overlooking the broader neighborhood context that shapes daily life. Urban environments, historically designed for younger, mobile populations, frequently fail to accommodate diverse physical abilities, resulting in barriers to mobility, accessibility, and social participation. Using Stora Högsbo in Gothenburg, Sweden, as a case study, this project investigates how neighborhood-scale design influences the independence and wellbeing of older adults. It critically examines prevailing frameworks such as the 15-minute city and age-friendly planning, identifying key gaps in how accessibility, proximity, and social infrastructure are addressed. The research reveals that proximity to services alone does not guarantee accessibility or inclusion. Instead, the quality of streets, public spaces, and social environments plays a crucial role in enabling everyday mobility and fostering community interaction. A central challenge identified is the risk of social isolation, particularly in contexts like Sweden where older adults often live independently. In response, the thesis proposes an integrated urban design approach rooted in “everyday urbanism.” This includes improving walkability, creating distributed neighborhood nodes, enhancing social infrastructure, and designing inclusive public spaces that support intergenerational interaction. By bridging spatial, social, and infrastructural strategies, the project aims to contribute toward more inclusive, age-friendly neighborhoods that not only support independence but also enrich the everyday lives of ageing populations.