On 12 June 2026, the SHAFE Foundation organised the New European Bauhaus (NEB) satellite event “People, Places and Technologies for Intergenerational Solidarity and Fairness”. Bringing together experts, practitioners, researchers and stakeholders from across Europe, the event explored how inclusive environments can support people throughout the life course while promoting dignity, autonomy, participation and social cohesion.
The event was framed around three central themes: identity, flow and boundaries. Participants reflected on how culture, memory and belonging can be maintained while societies evolve; how environments, services and technologies can adapt to changing needs and capacities; and how autonomy, privacy, care and social participation can be balanced within inclusive communities.
The first keynote address was delivered by Professor Tom Grey from TrinityHaus Research Centre, Ireland. He highlighted the importance of universal design and age-inclusive neighbourhoods as foundations for sustainable and equitable communities. Drawing on research across housing, healthcare, education and public spaces, he argued that many current environments remain fragmented, age-segregated and disconnected from community life. He emphasised the neighbourhood as a critical social and spatial unit where intergenerational interaction, shared resources and mutual support can flourish. Universal design, he noted, should not only improve accessibility but also enable continuous participation across the life course.
The second keynote speaker, Chiara Terraneo from the Italian Woodworking and Furniture Foundation, focused on inclusive domestic environments. She highlighted how homes, furniture and everyday technologies can support autonomy, comfort and well-being. Smart home technologies, adaptable furniture and user-centred design can improve safety and independence for people of all ages. However, technology alone is insufficient. Simplicity, trust and usability remain essential. A particularly powerful message from her presentation was that loneliness should be considered a design challenge, requiring environments that facilitate social interaction and community engagement.
The panel discussion explored how housing, care systems, technologies and communities can support people throughout changing life circumstances. Panellists emphasised the risks associated with age segregation and institutional approaches to care, which often separate people from their communities and social networks. Intergenerational relationships were repeatedly identified as essential for reducing loneliness, combating ageism and strengthening social cohesion.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of recognising people as individuals rather than adapting them to rigid systems. Participants argued that services, technologies and living environments should evolve alongside people’s changing needs, abilities and preferences. Flexible housing, adaptable communities and personalised support systems were identified as critical elements of future age-friendly environments.
The discussion also examined the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. While AI offers opportunities to personalise services, improve accessibility and support independent living, participants highlighted the importance of maintaining human agency, privacy and trust. Technologies should remain tools that support people rather than systems that dictate behaviour or reduce individuals to data profiles.
Two breakout sessions further explored practical solutions. The first focused on furniture, interiors and inclusive living environments. Participants identified limited user involvement, fragmented value chains and insufficient knowledge exchange as key barriers. Priority actions included training and capacity building, age-friendly furniture design, circular economy approaches and stronger collaboration between users, industry and policymakers.
The second breakout session examined community and belonging. Discussions highlighted the importance of safe and accessible public spaces, intergenerational activities, volunteering, cultural engagement and digital citizenship. Participants stressed that technologies should facilitate social participation and strengthen community connections rather than replace human interaction.
Across all sessions, several common recommendations emerged. Design for all should become a standard principle across policies and practices. Accessibility should be understood broadly, encompassing physical, sensory and cognitive dimensions. Living environments should be flexible and adaptable throughout the life course. Technology should enhance rather than replace human relationships. Finally, communities should actively foster opportunities for social connection, participation and mutual support across generations.
The event concluded with a commitment to develop a call for action and share the outcomes with participants and stakeholders. The discussions demonstrated that creating inclusive living environments requires collaboration across sectors, disciplines and generations. By integrating people, places and technologies, Europe can move towards communities that support dignity, belonging and well-being for everyone.
Read the full report at: https://shafe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SHAFE-NEB-event-report-2026.pdf
Click here to watch the full recording of the event: https://youtu.be/avSG0NPTWTA
