This two-week project, part of the life-centered research course, was grounded in the mindful use of resources and aimed to spark intergenerational dialogue around sustainability. The team focused on two key dimensions: material resources and time, exploring how each could serve as catalysts for meaningful conversations.
The design solutions were centered on two primary initiatives. The first was a conversation deck designed to facilitate engaging and meaningful discussions between older and younger generations about resource usage. The deck was organized into themes, such as food, clothing, and repurposed items, with prompts that encouraged participants to co-create artwork as part of the experience. This interactive approach fostered a safe and intimate environment for sharing personal stories and reflections.
The second solution was an artifact wall, intended to be installed in a public space to spark curiosity and motivate interaction about resource use across generations. Users could interact with the wall by taking a post-it note, writing down their age and occupation, and pasting it on a scale to reflect their behaviors and attitudes toward a specific topic. This visual representation showcased generational differences and shifts in perspectives over time.
Foundational interviews helped the team move beyond their own preconceptions about intergenerational communication and differences in Bergamo. Many of the elderly participants were actively engaged in their hobbies, social lives, technology and community activism. Many of the younger residents practiced sustainable habits and shared hobbies. Each generation believed they had less in common than they actually did.
The team hopes the tools they created will motivate Bergamascos from different generations to engage more frequently and enjoy deeper conversations. The strongest takeaways, however, were a refreshing outlook on what aging and the ongoing friendships the students built with some of Bergamo’s inspiring senior residents.
