LOCAL: Award-winning architecture for multi-generational communities

By Malin Norman

With a vision to bridge the gap between generations and create spaces for greater user involvement, LOCAL continues to push the boundaries for innovative design.

“We specialise in multigenerational housing, care homes and urban planning. Our expertise spans health, transformation and biomaterials, with creative and client-focused solutions,” says Jérome Picard, co-founder, partner and associate professor at KMD University of Bergen. “We are currently engaged in projects with private developers in health-oriented housing as well as municipalities that are preparing for the age wage. We are also active researchers on health across all stages of life.”

LOCAL AS: Award-winning architecture for multi-generational communities

Skakkeringen, Project LOCAL & PIR2. Photo Artishot – Arkitekturfoto

Located in Bergen, Brussels and Paris, the firm’s work is regularly praised internationally. For instance, LOCAL has been awarded the 40under40 prize for Best Emerging Young Architects & Designers in Europe, and its project Greenstation won the Good Design Award 2023 in the category Green Transportation, to name a few.

One of the projects receiving plenty of attention is Greymatter, which reimagines the health ecosystem. “Greymatter brings an innovative approach that includes senior citizens at the heart of rural and urban renewal,” explains Picard. “In this project, we explore urban and active ageing, reimagine the health ecosystem and relocate it to where we live. The idea is to create inclusive, multi-generational neighbourhoods and compassionate communities, for future generations.”

Nursing the Care. LOCAL illustration Onirism.

Another project exploring health and multi-generational communities is Nursing the Care, an initiative that aims to integrate healthcare services, staff, and comprehensive care into Danish social housing. It won the international competition Neighbourhood for Generation and was presented at the 28th UIA World Congress 2023 in Copenhagen. The team will also participate in Placemaking Europe 2024 in Rotterdam 24-27 September, presenting its vision for integrated health in social housing.

CFE Office, project by LOCAL. Photo: BCDF

With the project Skakkeringen, LOCAL is reinventing the school yard. The team composed of LOCAL and PIR2 worked with Vestland County Council for the development and construction of simple, local meeting places with varied and attractive low-threshold offers for physical activity. “We wanted to showcase how public schools can play a greater civic role in rural Norway,” says Picard. “Good meeting places are important for both public health and the local environment.”

LOCAL has been nominated at the World Architecture Festival in the category INSIDE: Workplace (Small). The team will present its project CFE office, a renovation of the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE) office in Paris, to the jury this November in Singapore.