Transformative Learning: Visiting a Multigenerational Living Community in Switzerland

TL;DR

Students and faculty visited a Swiss multigenerational community to learn about aging and intergenerational connections through a cross-cultural experience.

Contribution

This paper presents the first American perspective on a unique Swiss multigenerational living community.

Findings

The visit provided insights into cross-cultural views on aging and intergenerational living.

The community model includes diverse housing and shared spaces for all age groups.

Students gained a deeper understanding of aging in place and intergenerational connections.

Abstract

Global studies are transformative for students (Jean-Francois, Sharma, & Obi, 2023) and intergenerational experiences help students to view aging through a cross-cultural lens and better understand the importance of intergenerational connections (Montepare & Leedahl, 2020) and aging in place. In May 2025, 26 undergraduates and two faculty members visited The Foundry (Giesserei) – a grassroots community designed specifically for multigenerational living in Winterthur, Switzerland. Including 155 apartments and housing individuals across the lifespan, the community contains a library, preschool, restaurant and art gallery. As the first Americans to tour the facility, we will highlight our perspectives of this unique opportunity.