The Generation Quarter in Jätkäsaari was completed in 2017. The goal was, inter alia, to investigate how the goals set during the design project have been achieved and whether reality met residents' expectations - for example, whether community spirit has developed in the desired direction and whether the multi -generational interaction is realized.
The monitoring survey, which mapped the functionality of the block concept, was planned in the autumn of 2021 in collaboration with the Setlement Housing, the Housing Foundation and Hoas. The material was collected from 7 to 23 March 2022 and there were a total of 114 responses. There are a total of 262 apartments in the block, so the response rate can be considered very good.
The main purpose of the survey was to evaluate the functionality of the block concept: whether it is worthwhile to implement similar entities in the future and how, what has worked and what would not, and how the concept could be developed.
The resident survey gave a general grade for living in a generational quarter (functionality, comfort) 4/5 stars. The respondents believe that the block concept has been functional. Above all, the positive things were common areas , which were seen as adding value to housing - even luxury - in many ways. The cozy, safe, peaceful and clean environment and the various forms of community were praised. The diverse age distribution was also appreciated.
" common areas really improve living comfort!
Criticism was given, among other things, to the functionality of the community, for example, streamlined with common rules of the game. There were also some shortcomings in the location of the common areas, and the function of the part was not necessarily clear to all residents. Even the restrictions of exceptional times had an inevitably influenced experience.
The question of how communality was perceived in the block, 23 % felt that it had been done well and 63 % mediocre. According to the answers, the block greetes others almost without exception (95 %). A clear majority (83 %) stated that they were experiencing safety in the block. About 2/3 of the respondents said they were doing well with other residents of the block and knowing their home in the block. The neighborhood was also experienced better than average (52 %).
"In the past, my neighbors have been almost unknown to me. Here I met two of my best friends as a result of community living. They are my neighbors."
Open answers pointed out that the framework was experienced as good opportunities for community, but ultimately, residents build community with their own actions and behavior. Not everyone needs community. Still, communal activities could be liked, even if they did not participate - some felt it would bring a good atmosphere to the house.
The images and promises made through marketing are generally perceived to have been fulfilled.
"Living in a Generational Quarter has responded and also exceeded my images of what communal living can be."
Future sites will take into account the following perspectives based on the results of the survey and the discussion based on the organizations:
- Coordination of different forms of control
- Block administration and economy clearly as early as possible by jointly agreement
- Effective use of common areas
- Supporting community and good neighborhood
- A block worker model
However, according to the survey, living experiences in a generational quarter are generally very positive. The framework and its common areas are highly valued and provide many opportunities for multi -generational interaction and interaction. In this respect, the load -bearing force of the block concept, the implementation of high -quality joint spaces in several operators, is a recommended model.
