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A series of small-scale architectural interventions designed to improve the lives of the elderly living in a tiny village in Switzerland.
In the hamlet of Monte, in the Muggio Valley, Switzerland, a special architectural project commissioned by the Municipality of Castel San Pietro has transformed the small village’s public spaces to improve the lives of the 102 inhabitants, with a special focus on the elderly. Zurich- and Lugano-based architecture firm studioser completed the project over the course of two years, which included extensive research, interviews with the locals, and a complex study of the village’s social, cultural and historical context. After carefully analyzing the architecture of Monte, the studio identified different areas of interest that define the flow of everyday life in the hamlet, and implemented a series of mindful, small-scale architectural interventions that create an “intergenerational path” through the village.
Every intervention started from an existing space, ultimately reinforcing the memories of each site. The innovative solutions are also multi-functional and promote social interactions between residents of different ages. While the project focuses on improving the quality of life for the elderly, it also addresses the needs of the village’s youngest generation, resulting in carefully designed details that encourage play. For example, new handrails feature brass casings with openings that let children – or the young at heart – play with marbles, letting them run inside the tubular bars. A bench with an integrated faucet and basin allow older residents to hydrate and rest while children can play with the water in the summer heat.
Innovative solutions that promote interactions between generations and the cultivation of Monte’s spirit of community.
In Monte’s central area, studioser replaced some of the asphalt with stone paving in the main square. This change is not merely aesthetic – the paved road now connects the upper and lower areas of the hamlet. Also in the main square, the village shop now features an updated facade. A new shelving unit painted in a dark green color doubles as a display case for items and as a cabinet for products which the residents can collect when the store is closed. Inside, the architects added new shelving and seating.
The old church square now features a much-needed bench for resting, along with an integrated fountain. Elsewhere, a pergola provides shade to the new marble table and chairs, transforming a previously little-used space into a social area for gatherings. In the northern side of the village, a handrail provides assistance for people visiting the cemetery. Apart from adding a new fountain at the entrance, the studio also renovated an existing fountain.
Located a few hundreds of meters away from the village, the old wash house has also been upgraded. A stone bed replaces the concrete pipe into which the river flows. Nearby, a solid stone table, benches and a grill transform this space into a social area where residents and visitors can share good food and conversation with family and friends.
Apart from paying homage to Monte’s history and social context, this project also celebrates local traditions. The studio used materials like limestone, marble, brass, and wood for the interventions, along with colors that reference both vernacular architecture and the surrounding nature. The team also sourced the materials locally wherever possible, and turned to local workers to complete the transformation of the village’s public spaces. Photographs © Sven Högger.
