# 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.

## Key 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.

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12763222