Summary: As public resources shrink, collaborative approaches to delivering services and programming are becoming essential strategies in addressing some of the social implications of an increasingly age-segregated society. As a thematic group, we would like to look at three main areas: public places using an IG approach, IG shared spaces, and the importance of involvement from public institutions.

We want to highlight one of the critical issues emerging within the field of intergenerational practice - the lack of attention to how the physical environment plays a crucial role in promoting and inhibiting intergenerational engagement and life-long learning. While the benefits of IG programming have been documented, the ‘shared places/spaces’ aspect of these programmes have not been. In particular, we would like to put forward the idea that design and facilitation can break down spatial and conceptual barriers and has the potential to inhibit interaction between younger and older adults, AND vice-versa - how IL can shape the environment where it takes place. For example, how the understated, forgotten or even criminalised public places can benefit through an IL approach.