Duodai House: Xinmin Infographics, Charting by Dong Chunjie
At the Shanghai World Expo, the "Duodai House" model displayed in the German Pavilion received widespread attention from all sectors in Shanghai. Within the community's "Duodai House," several generations live together, taking care of each other, each finding their place, ingeniously solving childcare and eldercare issues.
Today, a Shanghai version of the "Duodai House" has appeared in the Henglian Xintiandi residential area in Yangpu District. Neighbors, young and old, can gather here to relax, read, or exchange ideas, and also take care of children together. The children have a wonderful space to play. This is the "Comprehensive Family Planning Service Center" jointly created by the Yangpu District Population and Family Planning Commission and the Kongjiang Subdistrict.
Inspiration from the German Version
In today’s society, people’s living conditions are becoming increasingly superior, but the relationships between neighbors are growing more distant, a problem faced by many cities. Shanghai has entered an aging society with an increasing number of "empty-nest elders." Additionally, in Shanghai, children over three years old can attend kindergarten, while infants aged 0-3 years are scattered at home, mostly cared for by grandparents without nearby activity or early education venues. This concerns young parents.
In one corner of the German Pavilion at the Expo Park, there was a five-story cross-section diagram of a "Duodai House" in Stuttgart. In the singing room, when children perform on stage, unfamiliar grandpas and grandmas become their best audience; in the library, children can sit around the knees of the elderly and listen to them tell stories. Elders help neighbors look after their children, and the innocent and playful children bring joy to the elders. Of course, there are also fixed employees and volunteer workers providing childcare and eldercare services.
The "Duodai House" project was implemented in Germany as early as November 2006, offering opportunities for interaction and integration among people of different age groups. Li Hongzhen, Director of the Yangpu District Population and Family Planning Commission, introduced that after the opening of the Expo, they visited multiple times and were inspired by the German "Duodai House," choosing Henglian Xintiandi for a pilot program.
The Shanghai Version Feels Like a Big Family
Henglian Xintiandi Residential Area on Jiangpu Road is a high-quality newly built neighborhood with more than 500 households and 1700 residents. The "Duodai House" is located on the ground floor of a residential building, covering more than 300 square meters. The subdistrict office invested over 1 million yuan in renovation, equipping it with necessary furniture, appliances, and various facilities. "Return public activity spaces to the common people," said Lu Xiuming, Deputy Director of the Kongjiang Subdistrict Office.
Upon entering, the four large characters "Gathering out of Love" catch the eye, making people feel as if they have come to a "big family." The "Duodai House" is divided into seven areas with the following functions:
1. Low-Carbon Living Experience Area (Kitchen): Residents can learn water-saving and electricity-saving tips here; one wall has turned into a "blackboard" where small lectures on health, wellness, and parenting can be held.
2. Knowledge Ocean Exploration Area (Study Room): Two rows of bookshelves hold various books, and computers connected to broadband allow residents to conduct "Book Exchange" reading exchange activities.
3. Delicious Cuisine Sharing Area (Dining Room): A sunny dining table where neighbors can sit together, brew a pot of tea, bring homemade pastries and signature dishes to share, and exchange cooking experiences.
4. Beloved Friends Gathering Area (Living Room): Sitting comfortably on sofas, you can watch TV, DVDs, and even play fashionable Wi video games. Young people can play sports games here.
5. Leisurely Elderly Area (Elder Room): An ancient and elegant space with the Four Treasures of the Study hanging on the walls where the elderly can paint and display their talents.
6. Happy Partner Growth Area (Children's Room): The biggest highlight of the "Duodai House," a more than 20-square-meter space with cute cartoon paintings on the walls, mats on the ground, and various toys. Babies can lie down, roll over, crawl, walk, and play freely.
7. Harmonious Family Care Area (Bedroom): A relatively private small room where family planning education and consultation can take place.
The reporter found that the "Duodai House" has many humanized details. There is a small bed in the "bedroom" where parents can change their baby's diaper; there are two toilets in the restroom, one large and one small, suitable for babies. It is usually managed by community cadres and volunteers, open daily in three time slots: 9:00-11:00 AM, 1:30-4:00 PM, and 7:15-8:15 PM.
Previous Explorations
During the interview, the reporter learned that the form of the "Duodai House" can be diverse. Previously, similar explorations have been carried out in other communities in Yangpu District. The "Mulin Center" in Yanchi New Village Subdistrict, opened in January this year, covers more than 800 square meters and can be considered a super-large "Duodai House," divided into areas such as the "Old Comer Club," dining area, Starry Theater, library, ping pong room, and children's activity room.
Today, leaders from the municipal population and family planning commission attended the unveiling ceremony of the "Duodai House" at Henglian Xintiandi. Responsible persons from the population and family planning departments of all 18 districts and counties in the city also came to learn from the experience, and this practice is expected to be promoted throughout the city. By our reporter Shao Ning.