On the perimeter of the lively Place Flagey, the interior of a city block is home to a new public garden. Inside, a ‘stroller café’ with a distinctive blue mesh roof welcomes parents and their children. The adjacent building also has a stimulating programme: social housing units adapted for the elderly. Its design was entrusted to the Karbon’ office, which opted for on an intergenerational space in keeping with its vision of dignified housing for all.

The programme is designed to combat the social isolation of the elderly, with adapted housing close to shops and public transport. It comprises eight studio apartments, providing a minimal living space with the necessary comforts. The minimal surface area frees up more space for communal living. The architects of Karbon’ believe that a fulfilling social life requires a more intimate space to stimulate the desire for a parallel collective life.