In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness and social isolation to be a national health epidemic, underscoring its severe physical and cognitive consequences. Older adults are especially vulnerable—1 in 4 adults over 65 is socially isolated, which dramatically increases their risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, depression, dementia, and premature death. Alarmingly, the cognitive decline associated with chronic loneliness raises the risk of developing dementia by approximately 50%.

Young adults are also experiencing escalating levels of loneliness and mental health challenges, often exacerbated by social media, academic pressures, and lack of meaningful intergenerational interaction. This overlap presents an opportunity to design solutions that foster mutual support between generations, using physical spaces and shared programs to cultivate connection, purpose, and well-being for all ages.

The Surgeon General’s advisory provides a public health lens, while the design competition offers an architectural response. Both aim to repair the social fabric by encouraging real-world interaction, intergenerational bonding, and inclusive environments. The competition’s goals and judging criteria mirror the advisory’s principles, turning systemic advice into spatial, programmatic, and experiential design solutions.