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Loneliness is a growing societal issue that continues to worsen, disproportionately affecting our elderly and younger population, groups often faced with the challenges of living alone. Loopen, located at Östermalmsgatan 53, reimagines an underutilized parking lot as an intergenerational co-living space designed to foster connection, community, and mutual support. The project brings together seniors and students in a shared living environment that encourages social interaction while respecting diverse needs.

The building is composed of individual living units, each equipped with basic necessities, organized into clusters of four that share a common kitchen and social area. Seniors reside on the lower floors for accessibility, while students live above, creating a vertical distribution that supports both independence and interdependence.

Addressing the growing importance of sustainable transport, Loopen also integrates cycling into its design. While cycling infrastructure is expanding, a key challenge remains: What do you do with your bike when you get to your destination? My building Loopen has a system which makes it possible to take one’s bike to the door of one’s apartment. The building features spacious elevators and wide corridors, allowing residents to bring their bicycles directly to their doors, challenging car-centric urban norms and promoting green mobility.

By combining intergenerational living with sustainable design, Loopen offers an architectural response to urban loneliness and environmental concerns, promoting a more connected and resilient community.