Residential Mixed-Use, Urban Infill Project

This thesis designed a mixed use, urban infill project located in Tallahassee, Florida. The goal of the design is to encourage social interaction among retiring empty nester Baby Boomers. Research of the topic of socialization introduced a term by Robert Putnam called social capital, which gives value to peoples social networks. Putnam identified that there is a disconnect between social involvement and the Baby Boomer population. This design explored a mixed-use communal living development that explored ways to introduce architectural features that promote both involuntary and voluntary social interaction areas. Research also uncovered specific wants and demands that the Baby Boomer generation expected from their retirement home.