New report highlights the power of intergenerational communities.

A new publication by researcher and designer Savannah Fishel offers a wide-ranging and thoughtful exploration of intergenerational living — and highlights the importance of community-led housing in shaping healthier, more connected places.

Beyond the White Picket Fence draws on studies of cohousing, cooperatives, tiny home villages and ecovillages across the UK, US and Australia. Through interviews, case studies and on-the-ground observations, the report explores what life is like in these communities: how people share space, build relationships, resolve conflict, and support one another across generations.

TOWN was pleased to support Savannah’s research, and our post-occupancy study of Marmalade Lane is among the case studies referenced. Marmalade Lane was also featured in the exhibition accompanying the report launch, where Owen Jarvis of the UK Cohousing Network spoke about the opportunities and challenges facing cohousing in the UK today. He highlighted the significance of our partnership with Hill at Northstowe, where two new cohousing groups are being developed as part of a growing new town.

Savannah’s report makes a compelling case for placing intergenerational connection at the heart of housing and placemaking policy — something we believe in strongly at TOWN.

The full report is available to download online for free, or you can order a printed copy via Savannah’s website.