Growing Old, Growing Together: Maria Ji’s Vision for Intergenerational Community Spaces
Reimagining the Heart of Saint Ann’s Through Architecture
Amidst the pressing challenges of social isolation and generational divides, emerging architect Maria Ji offers an inspiring antidote with her thesis project, “Growing Old, Growing Together.” A recent Part I Architecture graduate from the University of Nottingham, Maria achieved a commendable 2:1 in her BArch (Hons) and has consistently shown both technical rigor and creative sensitivity throughout her diverse academic and professional journey.
Her project, an intergenerational day care centre set in Saint Ann’s, Nottingham, exemplifies how architecture can become a vessel for community cohesion and lifelong engagement. With a deep respect for people, places, and the mutable spaces in between, Maria invites us to re-examine how we design for society’s evolving needs.
Architectural Journey: Balancing Technical Skill with Empathetic Design
Maria Ji’s educational background is as varied as it is robust. At the University of Nottingham, she honed her craft on projects spanning residential, community, educational, and urban masterplanning typologies. Her curiosity did not stop at academia. A formative stint at FACTOTUM in Barcelona saw her creating bespoke 3D furniture models, giving her hands-on exposure to materials and their tactile properties, and fostering a keen understanding of how architectural elements serve both user function and imagination.
Currently, Maria is expanding her expertise at Moya Sala SL as an intern. There, her responsibilities have multiplied: from supporting the head architect with technical drawings to preparing planning documents for the city council and attending regular site visits. These experiences have enriched her comprehension of the full architectural lifecycle — from concept sketches to compliance challenges and the gritty realities of construction.
A Community Hub Anchored in Flexibility and Sustainability
The nucleus of “Growing Old, Growing Together” lies in its embrace of spatial flexibility and environmental consciousness. The day care centre acts as more than a facility; it is a living, breathing organism within the neighbourhood — simultaneously playful and purposeful.
Maria’s design intentionally blurs the boundaries between generations. Spaces are conceived to adapt and transform throughout the day, accommodating playgroups, exercise sessions, quiet nooks for reading, and communal kitchens where stories can be shared over simmering pots. Large operable partitions and modular furnishings ensure the environment responds fluidly to its varied users.
What truly distinguishes her approach is the commitment to environmental integration. Green roofs, ample daylighting, passive ventilation, and bio-diverse planting create a seamless link between indoors and the surrounding landscape. The building nestles into its site rather than imposing itself upon it, fostering a sense of belonging not only for its users but also for the wider Saint Ann’s community.
Masterplanning for a Connected, Flourishing Neighbourhood
Understanding that architecture does not exist in a vacuum, Maria amplified her thesis with a comprehensive masterplan for Saint Ann’s. The proposal is ambitious in scope yet rooted in the existing urban grain, aiming to integrate the day care centre within an active tapestry of public spaces, walkable green corridors, new housing, and retail opportunities.
At the centre of this vision is the notion that every community asset should reinforce the bonds between neighbours, promoting independence for the elderly, agency for the young, and mutual respect across ages. Through careful positioning, Maria’s masterplan nurtures natural foot traffic and spontaneous encounters, transforming under-utilised pockets into productive, sociable, and safe passageways.
Social Value Through Detail-Oriented, Inclusive Design
Maria Ji’s work aligns closely with the ethos of detail-orientated, socially conscious, and environmentally responsible architecture. Her sensitivity to both the macro and micro scales — from the city-wide masterplan to the joinery of a dayroom bench — signals a maturity that belies her early career status. Indeed, her academic and professional trajectory points toward an instinctive understanding that architecture’s power lies in the small gestures as much as the grand gestures.
The project’s greatest achievement may be its response to the oft-overlooked question: “Who truly belongs at the heart of our communities?” By placing children and elderly users at the core, Maria’s centre is not only physically accessible but emotionally resonant.
Connecting with Maria Ji: Shaping the Future of Social Architecture
As Maria Ji looks to take the next step in her budding career, she is actively seeking Part 1 Architectural Assistant positions in the UK — roles where she can build on her academic and practical foundations, and continue to refine an approach grounded in empathy, environmental stewardship, and technical excellence.
For those interested in learning more about Maria’s work, collaborating on similar community-driven projects, or simply connecting with a passionate emerging architect, she is available on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/maria-ji-1b7944205 or via email at jth.maria24@gmail.com.
The story of “Growing Old, Growing Together” stands as both a blueprint and an invitation: to design spaces where generations can not only coexist but thrive together — in dialogue, in play, and in the comforting rhythms of daily life. As architecture seeks to address the big questions of our time, it is voices like Maria Ji’s that are lighting the way forward.
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