Setlementtiasunnot’s Generations Block, located in Jätkäsaari, was completed in 2017. Five years later, the aim was to determine how living and residing in the block had progressed and how the block is perceived as a place to live. The objective was to investigate, among other things, how the goals set for the block during the planning project had been achieved and whether reality had met residents’ expectations – for example, whether community spirit had developed in the desired direction and whether multi-generational interaction was realized.
A follow-up survey mapping the functionality of the block concept was planned in autumn 2021 in collaboration between Setlementtiasunnot, Asuntosäätiö, and Hoas. Data was collected from March 7–23, 2022, and a total of 114 responses were received. The block has a total of 262 apartments, meaning the response rate can be considered very good.
The primary objective of the survey was to evaluate the functionality of the block concept: whether similar entities should be implemented in the future and how, what has worked and what has not, and how the concept could be developed.
The resident survey gave an overall rating of 4/5 stars for living in the Generations Block (functionality, comfort). Respondents felt that the block concept has been functional. Positive aspects highlighted were, above all, the functional common areas, which were perceived to bring added value – even luxury – to living in many ways. The comfortable, safe, peaceful, and tidy environment, as well as various forms of community, received praise. The diverse age distribution was also appreciated.
“The common areas significantly improve living comfort! The opportunity to exercise and spend leisure time close to home is truly valuable.”
Criticism was directed, among other things, at issues related to the functionality of the community; for example, clarification was desired regarding common rules. Some shortcomings were also noted in the location of common areas, and the function of some was not necessarily clear to all residents. Restrictions during exceptional times also inevitably affected experiences.
To the direct question of how community was perceived to have been realized in the block, 23% felt it was well realized and 63% moderately. According to the responses, residents in the block greet each other almost without exception (95%). A clear majority (83%) reported feeling safe in the block. Approximately 2/3 of respondents stated that they get along well with other residents of the block and feel at home in the block. A sense of belonging to the neighborhood was also experienced better than average (52%).
“Previously, my neighbors were almost strangers to me. Here, I met two of my best friends as a result of communal living. They are my neighbors.”
Open-ended responses revealed that the facilities were perceived to offer good opportunities for community, but ultimately, residents build community through their own actions and behavior. Not everyone seeks community. However, communal activities could still be appreciated even without direct participation – some felt it brought a good atmosphere to the building.
The perceptions and promises conveyed through marketing are generally considered to have been fulfilled.
“Living in the Generations Block has met and even exceeded my perceptions of what communal living can be.”
In future projects, the following perspectives will be taken into account, based on the survey results and the discussions held within the organizations:
- Coordination of different administrative forms
- Clarifying block administration and finances as early as possible through mutual agreement
- Efficient use of common areas
- Supporting community and good neighborliness
- Block worker model
Based on the survey, living experiences in the Generations Block are generally very positive. The facilities, including common areas, are highly valued and offer many opportunities for multi-generational interaction and engagement. In this regard, the driving force of the block concept, the implementation of high-quality common areas through the cooperation of several actors, is a recommended model.
