VIRTUAL London.

Abstract

Liveability equates with a more human–scale approach to the urban environment guided by social inclusion, cultural diversity, and active citizenship. The success of this approach is based on the provision of universal human activities that pave the way for more inviting urban spaces which enhance the everyday appropriation of urban dwellers. These activities, more than just improving the quality of life of citizens, also make cities more attractive to visitors and tourists and ensure that their experiences are more sustainable and respectful towards local populations and the city’s/destination’s urban and cultural heritage, thus more meaningful and authentic. Urban liveability becomes more widely spread and effective when intergenerational learning and practice are promoted. Intergenerational learning, or intergenerationality, is when people from different age groups learn together and from each other, a condition that has a wide number of mutual benefits for those involved and the wider community. Intergenerational learning contributes to minimise social isolation and feelings of loneliness, it counters existing stereotypes and misunderstandings about certain age groups, and promotes greater awareness about individuals, thus enhancing feelings of self-esteem and self-worth and contributing to social responsibility. At the wider community level, intergenerationality contributes to safer and more cohesive communities and neighbourhoods since it promotes social inclusion and raises awareness of other generations, thus building upon consensus. Therefore, this paper contends that intergenerationality should be promoted as a heuristic concept in urban policies and projects towards fostering more liveable urban spaces.