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Longevity Modular Domes: From Academic Research to Reimagining Senior Living
Published: January 10, 2026 · Updated: January 10, 2026
By Sabina Malikova, Sabina Malikova Design Office.
The intersection of academic research and architectural practice can produce extraordinary results. My journey into longevity-focused design took a decisive turn during my master studies at the University of Chester in England, where I chose to dedicate my thesis to the subject of longevity senior housing. The question that drove my research was deceptively simple: how can architectural design actively extend the healthy lifespan of aging populations? Existing senior housing models, I found, were overwhelmingly institutional in character, prioritizing medical
efficiency over human dignity and well-being. The evidence from environmental gerontology suggested a radically different approach was not only possible but necessary. During my research at Chester, I examined case studies from Scandinavian cohousing communities, Japanese multigenerational compounds, and experimental care facilities in the Netherlands. A consistent pattern emerged: residents in thoughtfully designed environments showed measurably better cognitive function, physical mobility, and emotional well-being than those in conventional care settings. The architecture itself was functioning as a form of preventive
medicine. This academic foundation led me to explore geodesic dome structures as a potential solution. Their organic geometry eliminates the sharp corners and narrow corridors that make conventional buildings hazardous for older adults. The curved interior surfaces encourage natural movement patterns and make wheelchair navigation effortless, while the flowing spaces create a sense of freedom rather than confinement. From an energy perspective, domes are remarkably efficient. Their reduced surface-area-to-volume ratio means significantly lower heating and cooling costs, while natural convection
patterns within a dome distribute air evenly without the drafts that can aggravate joint pain and respiratory conditions. For senior residents living on fixed incomes, this efficiency translates directly into improved quality of life. The modular aspect is what truly sets this concept apart. A single dome can serve as a self-contained studio for an independent senior. As care needs…
Related reading
- Longevity design consultation service
- Documented outcomes (press release)
- Completed projects across four countries
- WHO 2016 — preventing disease through healthy environments
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