Architect Mattias Hollwich talks about BOOM, a community designed with the unique needs of gay and lesbian retirees that has become a blueprint for new retirement developments the world over.
Hollwich lists a few reasons how designing a community for aging LGBT folks is different, including "[t]here is no classic family setting and the LGBT community operates with the idea of extended family. Friends can become brothers we care for."
To this end, the community is designed to be "pedestrian-friendly, culture-driven, and socially empowering."
"Although originally conceived for the aging gay community, the project was expanded to provide a new community experience for any creative citizens looking for a better way to live," writes Sun Joo Kim.
FULL STORY: Q&A: Matthias Hollwich on designing for aging urban communities

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Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie