The Concept of Multifunctional Social Spaces as a High-Quality Intergenerational Premise: Sustainable Environmental Education Impetus

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Authors: Dmitry A. Radushinsky, Alexandra I. Radushinskaya, Ekaterina E. Smirnova
Cited by: 1
References: 106

Abstract

This study suggests the concept of multifunctional social spaces (MSSs) as intergenerational communication platforms, contributing to SDG achievement and environment awareness in local communities. Retirees could perform socially significant practices via local MSS premises supported by municipalities and initiative groups. The basic social vector of an MSS is supposed to produce a synergy effect with the educational and environmental impetus of the Sustainable Environmental Education (SEE) approach. Lifelong education underlies the process of adapting various age groups to different local spaces, namely metropolis, suburb, or rural areas. Test qualitative interviews were conducted with pensioners and young people to discover attitudes towards MSS-prescribed functions within different reference groups. These interviews helped to define the preferred communication instruments for MSS operation. General types of MSSs were classified based on mini case studies. MSS introduction is supposed to influence basic social indices such as population health, life expectancy, and fertility levels in the long term, and support several environmental awareness markers. Future studies could examine such influences in detail and discuss more national and regional specifics. Municipal and regional authorities, as well as local community leaders, could use the results of this study to consider local development, SDG strategies, and roadmaps.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Environmental Education and Sustainability Educational Environments and Student Outcomes Sustainability in Higher Education

Publication details

Journal / source
Sustainability
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
18
Issue
2
Pages
806–806
Publication date
13 January 2026
Language
EN