Multigenerational Living: Spatial Needs and Implications

Traditionally, the assumed needs and aspirations of the conventional nuclear family have been strongly shaping the design principles guiding the production of speculatively-producedSpeculatively-produced housing in Australia. However, the nuclear family has never been the sole household type in Australia, and family structures, including various sub-types, are subject to continuous change and emergence over the years. This chapter focuses on multigenerational living, as practised by Lebanese Australian families, to underscore that variations in household composition necessitate a more thoughtful approach to understanding the diverse housing needs of Australian society. It also demonstrates the importance of acknowledging the contribution of diverse family structures to housing production, particularly in a historical context where multigenerational living may not be perceived as the societal norm.