Introduction
Family Offices and Zurich Architecture have a wonderful partnership that allows them to create spaces where families can bond (build deep connections) & create lasting memories for generations to come.
This amazing partnership helps families across generations preserve their history by ensuring that their stories are created through the spaces/areas.
Zurich’s buildings are never about “out with the old and in with the new”. Rather, it is about combining contemporary design ideas with old architecture.
In addition to preserving family cultures and values, family offices also help to create a sense of belonging and community for families.
What you should know about family offices and Zurich architecture
Zurich architecture combines the preservation of history with innovative design ideas to create buildings that will last for centuries. These buildings range from “old church buildings” to “modern skyscrapers” and “houses” that embody the rich heritage of Zurich families.
In other words, building Zurich spaces/houses is about more than mixing bricks and cement – it’s about honoring the past and living in the present while looking to the future.
On the other hand, family offices also play a decisive role in the design of living spaces. They guide the design process to ensure that it reflects the values of several generations.
In addition to managing the structuring process, family offices fulfill various tasks in the service of future generations. In this section, we will examine some of these tasks. Let’s dive in!
5 Important roles of family offices in Zurich’s architecture
1. financial management
Family offices act as “financial custodians” for wealthy families. They deal with matters relating to investments, estate planning/(estate administration), tax planning and so on.
The expertise of family offices helps wealthy families to increase and preserve their assets over several generations. In practice, this means that a family office can help a wealthy family to diversify its investment portfolio. The biggest advantages for the family or families are risk reduction and higher returns.
2. preservation of the heritage
Family offices also play an important role in preserving Zurich’s architectural heritage. They oversee construction and renovation projects to incorporate modern comfort features while preserving the heritage of historic Zurich buildings and estates.
3. development of multi-purpose and multifunctional living spaces
The development of adaptable living areas that can be easily reconfigured for different purposes is another strength of family offices. They work with Zurich architects to create living spaces that seamlessly combine comfort and style and can be easily transformed to serve different purposes over time.
4. preservation of identity
Family offices attach great importance to preserving the identity and history of the family through architectural design. Thanks to the collaboration with Zurich architects, contemporary systems and appliances for modern living are integrated. The design of the living areas also combines artifacts that honor and respect the family’s cultural heritage.
5. integration of environmentally compatible features
Interestingly, Zurich’s architecture and family offices are big advocates of a sustainable lifestyle. They are therefore committed to incorporating sustainable practices into architectural designs. To minimize the environmental impact of their activities, family offices invest in green technologies and renewable energy sources for buildings.
Important considerations for the design of intergenerational living spaces in Zurich architecture
In multi-generational living, several families/generations of the same bloodline live in the same house/building over time. Multi-generational houses in Zurich architecture unite “adults”, “children”, “grandparents”, “adult parents” and generations of people with different styles and tastes. It is therefore important to design rooms that meet the different wishes of different age groups and also meet their general needs.
In this section, we will examine some of the factors to consider when designing living spaces for generations. Let’s get started!
- Flexibility
Flexibility is an important factor that affects the design of a multi-generation home. Flexibility in a multi-generational home means creating rooms that can serve different uses and residents, e.g. a study that can be converted into a living room, a guest room that can be converted into a children’s room.
- Privacy
Privacy is a fundamental human need and a major concern for every individual. Also for those who like to spend time with their loved ones. Everyone wants to feel safe and secure and have a place to which they can sometimes retreat. Privacy is therefore a decisive factor in the design of communal living spaces such as houses, apartments or residential homes.
You should make sure you know exactly what families need for privacy. Whether it’s “a private bedroom where you can retreat”, “a separate living area” or “a bedroom”. Private living areas, tailored to each generation, increase personal well-being and reduce conflicts in the household.
- Shared rooms
There is no doubt that private spaces are crucial to the design of modern houses in Zurich’s architecture. However, one of the purposes of intergenerational living is to provide emotional support and companionship. The design of shared living areas supports this purpose. Common areas can take different forms, such as the “kitchen”, the “laundry room”, the “dining areas”, the “picnic areas” and so on.
Shared living areas offer families the opportunity to socialize, exchange ideas and forge closer relationships.
- Security
Security in a multi-generational home is a combination of various factors. Factors range from training residents on measures and skills to stay safe, to safety features such as non-slip floors, to the installation of baby-proof furniture in children’s living areas to reduce the risk of accidents.
Safety measures in the personal living area include the installation of non-slip floors and grab rails in the bathroom. Security measures in public areas include security cameras, lighting and trained staff.
- Durability/sustainability
The consumption of energy resources in multi-generational living spaces is three times higher than the demand in single living spaces.
Implementing sustainable practices in intergenerational living areas serves the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. Sustainable practices in Zurich’s architecture include the use of “solar panels”, “LED lamps”, “induction hobs” and water-saving functions.
- Universal design
Universal design is a design approach that recognizes the diversity of people across multiple generations. This design process takes into account the different abilities and needs of families.
Conclusion
Commissioning family offices is a good option for creating living spaces for several generations. In collaboration with Zurich Architecture, living spaces are increasingly becoming more than just structures/buildings. Instead, they embody the rich heritage of the families and their stories across generations.
