How can the universal design principles which support the health and wellbeing of the elderly generation be facilitated into an existing building and landscape in the form of a retirement hub?
How can the universal design principles which support the health and wellbeing of the elderly generation be facilitated into an existing building and landscape in the form of a retirement hub?
Submitted in fulfillment of a part of the requirements for the degree Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture and Design
Supervisor: Dr. Begüm Ulusoy
Module: Research Process 3 - Design Exegesis
INT3179-2223
April 2023
I declare that this report is my own work and has not previously been submitted for assessment.
Abigail Crouchman
05 April 2023
First of all I want to congratulate the class of 2023, who have all worked incredibly hard over the past three years. I wish them all the best of luck. I would specifically like to thank Sophie Vanstone, Ellie Xiourouppa and Georgia Parris. We’ve shared laughter, tears and pulled each other through some tough times. Some of my favourite memories are shared with you all and I can’t wait to see where our futures take us. I’m so proud of all of you have achieved. Friends for life.
I would like to thank the academic staff who have guided me through my studies and encouraged me to push myself especially Tonia Warsap, Thomas Marshall and Begüm Ulusoy.
To my partner Josh, I want to thank you for always encouraging me to do my best, guiding and supporting me through anxious times and for your ability to always make me smile. Most importantly, thank you for allowing me to see the light at what felt at times a never ending tunnel. I’m so proud of how hard you’ve worked and how well you have done over the past three years are university.
Finally I could not have undertaken this journey without the unwavering support and unconditional love from my mum, dad and brother. Their belief in me has kept my spirits and motivation high throughout my years at university. I am very lucky to be the daughter of two very inspiring and committed parents. Thank you for all that you’ve done for me and all that you’re still doing. You are my absolute rocks and I love you all so much.
To Grandpa, I hope I’ve done you proud. Thank you for being my biggest inspiration. I’ve felt your presence all the way through university but even more so now that you’re not here. I miss you more than anything.
How can we change the fate of buildings with such rich histories and at the same time accommodate the needs of the ever-increasing elderly population?
Increasing incidents of loneliness, isolation and the need for care are apparent in today’s society. The majority of homes aren’t designed for the needs that an ageing population require. Therefore, this highlights the demand for an inclusive and accessible environment that is designed with this demographic as a prime consideration.
This design exegesis will detail the proposal of an adaptive reuse project in an area of the country that has a higher-than-average life expectancy. It will explain how the use of universal design principles which support the health and wellbeing of the elderly generation can be facilitated into an existing building and landscape in the form of a retirement hub. Influential literature and precedent studies will be referred to in support of the concepts presented.
Creating a new narrative of the space not only brings back the life of an existing building but also improves the life of those that will be in it.
Figure 1: A map highlighting key areas around the site
Figure 2: A collage highlighting key demographics and statistics
Figure 3: A timeline highlighting key changes surrounding the site histroy
Figure 4: Infographic demonstrating the user
Figure 5: A diagram demonstrating the remaining structures
Figure 6: A diagram demonstrating the suns path
Figure 7: Edited image highlighting the openings from the rooms to the gardens.
Figure 8: Edited photograph highlighting the primary circulation space and the thresholds between the internal and external
Figure 9: Edited photograph depicting the interchangable shutters
Figure 10: Photograph of the living space and walled garden
Figure 11: Edited photograph highlighting the direction of the full-height shutters
Figure 12:A diagram highlighting the different zones on the ground floor
Figure 13:A diagram highlighting the different zones on the first floor
Figure 14: A diagram highlighting the new intervention and existing structures
Figure 15: A visual highlighting the new addition’s connection with the exisiting façade and the central passage
Figure 16: A diagram highlighting the different zones on the first floor
Figure 17: A visual diagram highlighting the new intervention maintaing the direction of the existing building
Figure 18:A diagram highlighting the public, private and circulation zones on the ground floor
Figure 19: An interpreted image highlighting key features
Figure 20: Photograph of kitchen area
Figure 21: Photograph of recpetion desk
Figure 22: Aerial view
Figure 23: Photograph of courtyard
Figure 24: A diagram highlighting the different zones of the space, long section
Figure 25: A diagram highlighting the different zones on the first floor
Figure 26: A diagram highlighting the different zones on the ground floor
Figure 27: Photographs of courtyard
Figure 28: A floorplan highlighting the segregation of private, public and access zones
Figure 29: A section drawing highlighting key design points
Figure 30: Photograph of external façade
Figure 31: Photograph of Bedroom 1
Figure 32: Photograph of living space
Figure 33: An edited photograph highlighting key design points
Figure 34: A diagram highlighting the different zones on the ground floor of the hub
Figure 35: An edited image highlighting the private break out pods
Figure 36: A diagram highlighting the different zones on the first floor
Figure 37: Photograph of the public space
Figure 38: Photograph of break out pod
Figure 39: Bespoke handrail
Figure 40: Seamless threshold strip for easy manouvering
Figure 41: An analysed photograph displaying contrasting materials and textures
Figure 42: An analysed photograph displaying key design points throughout the care home
Figure 43: An analysed photograph displaying a variety of lighting choices and featured bar area
Figure 44: An diagram displaying the visual effects of a white room compared to a colourful one
Figure 45: Concept Model Development
Figure 46: Finalised Concept Model
More than three million people over the age of 65 live alone and more than 200,000 older people say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour, or family member (Age UK, 2015). The elderly are dying more from loneliness and related factors than from lack of a medical care.
The UK’s population is ageing, and people are living longer. The population aged 65 years and over is projected to grow by around 50% in both urban and rural areas between 2016 and 2039 (Office for National Statistics, 2011). This proposal was initially motivated by loneliness in the elderly population. Within the scope of the project, it concentrates on the lack of ageing in place design to accommodate for elderly independence which encourages interaction to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The design problem is based around the belief that ageing people’s homes fail to provide an inclusive, accessible, and adaptable environment to help aid their independence.
A variety of retirement hubs are available in the UK but generally don’t create aesthetically pleasing accessible spaces that people want to spend time in.
This research paper aims to answer the question ‘How can the universal design principles which support the health and wellbeing of the elderly generation be facilitated into an existing building and landscape in the form of a retirement hub’. By answering this question, the objective is to review, establish, and provide a design strategy to help prolong the independence of elderly generations and encourage social connections.
The following report will investigate a variety of literature that offers insight into a multi-disciplinary view of the built environment. The sources selected have provided credible knowledge of the crucial factors and fundamentals which need to be considered when designing spaces for ageing people.
Sources
Key Words Results
Botek (2021) Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, circadian, daylight, temperature, sunlight, vitamin D
- Discusses the effects, causes and treatment of Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- SAD is a form of depression that usually hits in the winter when the days get shorter, and the weather gets colder
- ‘a decline in the amount of daylight during fall and winter affects circadian rhythms and causes hormonal changes that lead to depressive symptoms in people with SAD.’ (Botek, 2021).
- Taught me that it’s vital people suffering from SAD get outside in the morning when the sun is out. As my site is predominantly south facing, it’s important to incorporate this idea within the intervention design. SAD can impact your appetite, sleeping habits, energy levels and your interest to socialise.
- I will be researching further into outdoors spaces that can be utilised all year round to help reduce the effects of SAD amongst the elderly
Pallasmaa (2005) Multi-sensory, ocular centrism, experiences, senses, exploration, engage
- Centred around the senses and argues that there is a deeper understanding to have in how we interpret design through all 5 senses and not just through ocular centrism
- Architecture can appeal to the eye but do very little to engage with our other sense.
- Pallasmaa explores the idea that all 5 senses are equally as important in shaping our experiences. ‘All experience implies the acts of recollecting, remembering and comparing.’ (Pallasmaa, 2005).
- As we enter an interior space, our senses all work together unconsciously to interpret an environment. Touch is referred to as the most important sense ‘vision reveals what touch already knows’ (Pallasmaa, 2005).
- We explore and see everything through some form of touch.
- This source helped me to understand the importance of intertwining the senses to create a multi-sensory design to encourage exploration especially as we experience the senses differently as we age.
- Furthermore, it’s led me to research further into sensory spaces designed for the elderly.
Torres et al (2020) Colour preference, visibility, biological ageing, sensory stimulation, arousal level, perception
- This academic article explores the colour preferences of the elderly in nursing homes based on the expected activities for different rooms.
- Two experiments were performed, one with elderly people living in nursing homes, and the other in a laboratory with virtual reality and physiological markers (i.e., heart rate variability). Six colours in two groups of warm and cool were assessed.
- Colour preference in the elderly is important because ‘the elderly has low visual health’ (Baget i Berna`ldiz and Fontobai Poveda, 2013) this is normally due to biological ageing, these impairments can affect the elderly perception of the built environment.
- Furthermore, a ‘lack of sensory stimulation in interior spaces can hinder users’ orientation as the visual cues needed to identify architectural elements are absent’ (Camgo z et al., 2004; Goodmanet al., 2005; Lee, 2010; Read, 2003).
- Participants preferred warm colours over cool for the activity room by 54%. There wasn’t a significant difference between genders.
- Participants preferred cool colours over warm in the bedroom by 64%. Again, there wasn’t a significant difference between genders.
- Results demonstrated that preferences for warm and cool colours in interior spaces depended on the room type and indicates that they’re related to the arousal level for the expected activity in them.
- This source has informed me that ‘colour can be used to emphasize the difference between quiet and more stimulating spaces’ (Barnes, 2006) and has led to further research into colour preferences and how our sight changes how we perceive interiors as we age.
Stratten (2011) Wellbeing, treatment, self-sufficiency, interaction, rehabilitation, sunlight
- This book links directly to my site as it documents the extensive history of Rauceby Hospital. Written by Stratten, a Senior Library Assistant working at Rauceby who wanted to document the history of the hospital to keep as a personal record
- Rauceby Reflections has played a crucial part in the development of Greylees, where my site is located
- Wellbeing played a large part in the patients’ treatment for ‘it was recognised that a principal part of their treatment lay in the continual occupation of their minds and by inducing them to take exercise in the open air to promote cheerfulness and happiness’ (Stratten, 2011)
- Rauceby Hospital played an important and positive role in the provision and care of the mentally ill.
Stratten (2011) Wellbeing, treatment, self-sufficiency, interaction, rehabilitation, sunlight
- Participants preferred cool colours over warm in the bedroom by 64%. Again, there wasn’t a significant difference between genders.
- Results demonstrated that preferences for warm and cool colours in interior spaces depended on the room type and indicates that they’re related to the arousal level for the expected activity in them.
- This source has informed me that ‘colour can be used to emphasize the difference between quiet and more stimulating spaces’ (Barnes, 2006) and has led to further research into colour preferences and how our sight changes how we perceive interiors as we age.
- This book links directly to my site as it documents the extensive history of Rauceby Hospital. Written by Stratten, a Senior Library Assistant working at Rauceby who wanted to document the history of the hospital to keep as a personal record
- Rauceby Reflections has played a crucial part in the development of Greylees, where my site is located
- Wellbeing played a large part in the patients’ treatment for ‘it was recognised that a principal part of their treatment lay in the continual occupation of their minds and by inducing them to take exercise in the open air to promote cheerfulness and happiness’ (Stratten, 2011)
- Rauceby Hospital played an important and positive role in the provision and care of the mentally ill.
- The self-sufficiency of the asylum links to the Ortus’ Project concept of encouraging elderly independence and interaction.
- A renowned plastic surgeon named McIndoe working at Rauceby in the second world war, recognized the importance of rehabilitation and the integration of patients back into their social lives. (Stratten, 2011). This has a strong connection to the proposed use of site as the concept is based around elderly wellbeing
- Interestingly it is noted that ‘the patients’ blocks are arranged for the brightest and sunniest aspects’ (Stratten, 2011). This aspect will be beneficial when it comes to the design of the intervention where the elderly can benefit from the warmth and comfort that sunlight provides.
- This book has provided me with great insight into the story of Rauceby Hospital and it will inform my design choices to ensure they’re sensitive and positively impact the buildings history.
Gomez et al (2011) Light, colour, texture, limitations, inclusive, distortion, visual perception, sense of comfort, multisensory
- Light, Colour and Texture play an important role in the quality of human beings’ lives.
- Discusses the importance of the elderly needing social interaction as they age because ‘they feel a growing urge to stay at home’ (Gomez, 2010).
- Lots of retirement homes solve the physical limitations but don’t appeal to the elderly senses in terms of colour, lighting and texture. The case study was chosen as the built environment offers an inclusive space but lacks the attention to detail For example, white prevails everywhere throughout the walls, ceilings and some furniture.
- White walls limit visual perception and distorts the space, it’s also associated with that clinical, sterile feeling and the ‘extension of the same colour can be a source of annoying and anxiety’ (Gomez et al, 2011).
- The second case study was chosen as both the exterior and interior generates the feeling of warmth and comfort. Glass façades illuminate and control the light that enters the interiors with its ‘orientation, dimension and tinted colours’
- The authors state that ‘Light, colour and texture simulate human senses increasing the sense of comfort and interest to surrounded environment.’ This, therefore, will help guide me through the design process to ensure I incorporate and use all of the senses as the building blocks to my overall design concept.
- This source supports Pallasmaa’s ideas of the importance of multi-sensory architecture.
Botton (2014) Exploration, emotional textures, rebalance, misshapen, disguise, abilities, beautiful, transient
- In this book Botton explores different buildings across the world, determining what makes them truly beautiful. ‘Architecture can arrest transient, and timid inclinations, amplify and solidify them, and thereby grant us more permanent access to a range of emotional textures which we might otherwise have experienced accidently or occasionally’ (Botton, 2014).
- The built environment speaks to us of the life which is appropriate to be lived within and around them.
- ‘We value certain buildings for their ability to rebalance our misshapen natures and encourage redemptions which our predominant commitments force us to sacrifice’ (Botton, 2014). For example, in cathedrals we have associations with quietness, power, and eternity.
- His work was thought-provoking to read and will lead me to further research about what the clear understanding of what makes us happy, and the question of why we’re vulnerable to how architecture makes us feel.
Hay F (2007) Permanent, temporary, analytical, intervention, installation, insertion, structure, intertwine, boundaries
- Four key analytical strands: buildings structure, historical and functional factors, structure context and environment and future function intended.
- Intervention; The new and old combine. The changes are noticeable, and the structure can’t go back to how it was before.
- Installation: if the new is removed, it reverts back to its original state.
- Insertion: The new slots in but can be removed without affecting original parts of the structure.
- Discusses the importance of interior architecture ‘Recycling or remodelling buildings can be a thrilling, dynamic way to breathe new life into our tired and strained cities. (Hay, 2007).
- This source has provided me with great insight into the build environment and informed me on the way I can adapt my building.
After reviewing a comprehensive selection of sources that cover various aspects of the built environment, I was able to gain an understanding of the requirements of good design and what it entails. There were common trends in this review; these are discussed throughout the subsequent chapters.
This chapter discusses the reasons behind the proposal. The design problem that this exegesis seeks to alleviate is the lack of age-friendly accommodation available to aid independence, encourage the creation of new connections and reduce loneliness.
As populations age, elderly loneliness emerges as an issue of increasing concern worldwide (Age UK, 2022).
The risks associated with loneliness in the elderly is well documented and studies have shown that loneliness is as bad for your health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day (Holt-Lunstad, 2010).
One way to reduce the risks of loneliness is to design a retirement hub that incorporates meaningful, inclusive, and fun activities to bring purpose and engagement to elderly individuals. Research shows that positive social connections is important in supporting the health and wellbeing of the elderly (Glass et al. 2006).
‘How can the universal design principles which support the health and wellbeing of the elderly generation be facilitated into an
in the form of a retirement hub?’
This chapter identifies both the client and the user and discusses important site context. The central focus of the proposal is on creating a safe environment for ageing people, who may be prone to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and have experienced declining independence.
Needs/Challenges:
- Seeks a place that allows independance but also offers a safe place to reside in.
- Needs a good network of like-minded people
-Needs accessible facilities
Behaviour:
- Spends large amounts of time indoors
-Vulnerable to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Set routines, normally orientated around medication.
Needs/Challenges:
- A staff area, a bedroom and bathroom facility for those on duty/on call.
- A space for relaxtion.
-Areas that allow interaction with the elderly residents.
Behaviour:
- Have set shift times.
-Night shift workers can be vulnerable to feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Caring and thoughtful
The Ortus project was commissioned by the client, Age Uk, who aim to provide fun, inclusive and accessible activities for older people throughout the UK to reduce loneliness and maintain independence.
Through this adaptive reuse project, they hope to set a precedent for the future construction and design of retirement hubs. Age UK understand the needs of ageing individuals. The Ortus project will help fulfil their objective to help ageing people ‘stay safe, healthy and independent as they get older’ (Age UK, 2022).
Goals:
- Remain active to prevent ill health.
-Improved and prolonged independance.
- Reduced feelings of loneliness
How can we help:
- Create a hub that allows for the social integration of the elderly, to encourage socialising amongst the residents.
- Design interiors that are ergonically inclusive for the elderly.
The site history is important because the previous purpose correlates well with the proposed use. The asylum was one of the few in the UK that treated patients fairly. Exercise outdoors was considered essential to the patient’s wellbeing. In 1940 when the hospital was taken over by the RAF, a renowned plastic surgeon named McIndoe working at Rauceby at the time, recognized the importance of rehabilitation and the integration of patients back into their social lives (Stratten, 2011). This has a strong connection to the proposed use of site.
How can we help:
- Create a hub that allows for the social integration of the elderly, to encourage socialisng amongst the staff and the residents.
- Design spaces that are encouraging and pleasant to work in.
Goals:
- Ensure that all residents are safe and well.
- Encourage ageing people to come out of their comfort zone in terms of independance, socialising and exercising.
The front elevation of the former administration block features Leicester red pressed bricks and Ancaster dressed stone. The roof is tiled in Vermont green slating. The rest of the building was built from red wire cuts from Leicester, and Darley Dale stone dressings - this was due to budget cuts throughout the early construction period (Stratten, 2011).
Our society isn’t designed for ageing people, and this needs to change. When identifying an appropriate location for a retirement hub in the UK, it was important that it was within an area which targets the main demographic, an area that has a growing and ageing elderly population. According to a census in 2021, more than one in six people (18.4%) were 65 years old and over. Lincolnshire’s population is on average older than the population of England (NHS, 2017). Furthermore, the life expectancy in North Kesteven is higher than the national average (City Population, 2021).
The wards were built so that they would be south facing, this was to ensure the patients benefited from the maximum sunlight possible (Stratten, 2011). The sun path follows the south facing boundary of site where the residential and shared green space will be. As you can see in figure 6, the sun floods the south elevation of Block L and M and the large green space between the buildings. Older people commonly have set routines, usually orientated around medication (Isik et al., 2021). The Ortus project aims to adapt their routines around the sun rising and setting, to enjoy life again without the worry of losing their independence or reducing their social connections.
As we age, we tend to prefer quieter, rural areas. The location of site is ideal as there’s minimal noise pollution, and the site is offered some wind protection from surrounding buildings and mature trees.
Rauceby Hospital was built to be an asylum, it served its purpose for many years, became a hospital for wounded soldiers in the RAF throughout the first and second world war, and operated as an occupational therapy unit for the NHS right up until the day it closed in 1997 (Stratten, 2011). After the demolition of the major network of connecting corridors in 2001, it has remained in a redundant condition (Nanrah, 2021). The current state of site lacks little sensitivity to the comprehensive history of the building so these contributions highlight the reasons why it’s deserving of a new purpose. The site provides a strong suitability as the location of this design proposal due to the rehabilitation, social aspects, and rich history that the buildings and surroundings offer.
When designing a retirement hub for vulnerable ageing people, it is important to investigate different precedent studies to get a detailed understanding of how the space should be laid out and designed to accommodate for their ageing needs as well understanding the importance of the adaptive re-use of historical buildings. The chosen studies were selected based on similarities that were highlighted. This included: theory, form, use, and approach.
- Designed for a family of 4 who enjoy hosting
- The property was designed to have lots of natural light and ventilation
- Full-height shutters line the bedrooms and living spaces
- The shutters form a seamless surface when closed, but open up to blur the threshold between the rooms and the outside spaces (Griffiths, 2016).
- Walled Garden
- Connection between the internal and external
- Large, glazed windows allow maximum sunlight possible
- Paired-back material palette
- Clean-lined forms
- Simple concrete structure that maintains a low profile
- Designed to blend into the buildings surroundings
- Multi-functional spaces
- Built in 2005, designed and constructed by Ingarden & Ewý Architects
- The initiative was established to create a new cultural institution in Krakow. The location of site is very fitting as it’s a street popular with students and locals (ArchDaily, 2012).
- ‘The Garden of Art’ is a roofed external space that acts as an immediate place between the street and the building
- Central pathway guides users throughout the building
- The building maintains the lines of the roof and divisions of the façades in line with the composition and linear forms of the neighbouring buildings
- The fully glazed zone is placed in front of the former facade.
- The design is respectful to the existing structure
- Space exhibits library rooms, premises for art related activities and collaboration of the people.
Nordic Office of Architecture
Bærum, Norway
- Treatment and housing centre for patients diagnosed with dementia.
- Purpose is to create a more efficient care system for elderly people with dementia
- Provides a foundation for future dementia care.
- Works to improve their quality of life.
- The buildings and outdoor spaces are designed to encourage residents to be more active.
- Houses a cafe, community centre, fitness facilities, and other amenities.
Clear
Clear circulation pathway
-Designed to feel like a familiar home rather than an institution.
- Homely atmosphere enhanced with gardens
- The main material in all the facades is brick, which varies with two colour shades that give a bright and consistent impression.
- As a secondary material, untreated wood cladding is used to create variety and a give a homely character.
- 2 levels of care - 136 housing units, 22 high care units
Mexico City, Mexico
-PILARES stands for Points of Innovation, Freedom, Art, Education, and Knowledge (Coulleri, 2022)
- Urban project for social impact developed by the Government of Mexico
-Aims to generate community centres in neglected neighbourhoods
-The centre holds a variety of arts and crafts, workshops, a vegetable garden, sports facilities, dedicated zones for job training and a yoga and dance room.
Void Spaces
Activity Zones
Connecting Corridors and Bridges
- Spread between two floors that are connected via a network of bridges, courtyards, corridors, and platforms
-Adaptable partitions are seen throughout the space, this maintains the relationship with the internal and external zones
- A variety of light and shadow textures that interpret the space in varying layers and depths
- A combination of indoor and outdoor spaces
-Textured paving tiles
-Innovative use of this materials enabled a flexible use of the space
-Community use
Activity Zones
Connecting Corridors and Bridges
Surry Hills, Austrailia
- Warehouse Conversion/Adaptive Re-Use
- Previously a tea factory, and then an advertising agency.
- Comfort, practicality, and respect were at the forefront of the design.
- The design retained and celebrated the existing building fabric.
- An acoustic system was fitted to minimise noise pollution.
- Spaces double up on functions
-Lines between functions are blurred
Public Zones
Private Zones
Access Zones
Existing Historical Front
Multi-Functional Spaces Acoustic
Double Function Space
Material change to signify new level
3DReid
Edinbrugh, United Kingdom
- Health and Wellbeing centre for the Thistle Foundation
- Thistle foundation is a charity that offers support for those with disabilities
- The centre is located within a designated conservation area
- Original scheme was designed for injured returning service men in the Second World War
- Material palette consists of brick, timber cladding and precast concrete
- Spaces double up on functions
Figure 35: An edited image highlighting the private break out pods, Photograph (Cadzow-Pelosi, 2016) Interpreted (Crouchman, 2023).
Approach Theory
Form
Private Zones
Access Zones
- Break out pods that can be open or closed spaces
- Timber cladding used throughout to keep a consistent material language
- Public access facilities situated on ground floor; private offices situated first but connected via double height voids
The Tooley and Foster Partnership
Cambridge, United Kingdom
-Winner of the 2019 Pinders Healthcare Design Award for Best New Care Home
- A place for interaction, activity, and enjoyment
- Also offers residential, nursing and dementia care
- 85 bedrooms
- Open kitchen areas enable residents to help with food preparation
- Dining Spaces encourage residents to socialise
- Celebration rooms allow residents and their families private spaces to hold family events
- Bespoke Handrail that alerts residents when it ends
- Contrasting colours and textures seen throughout
- Seamless floor changes
- Seating is seen at the end of corridors to provide rest spaces
- Variety of lighting types
- Mixture of public and private spaces
- Outdoor activities such as putting golf and gardening
Precedent Study Selected Image
Walled Garden, Brazil
Visual Arts Centre, Brazil
PILARES Cultural Centre
Surry Hills Apartments, Austrailia
Thistles Centre, United Kingdom
What I’ve taken forward
- Important to create a relationship between the interior and exterior of the site
-To create multi-functional spaces that can accomodate for different needs
- Allow for lots of natural light especially as the site is southfacing
- To maintain the intervention within the lines of the former asylum buildings
- Create a clear circulation pathway that guides the user to their destination
- Create an intervention that is respectful to the existing structures
- Create spaces that feel homely, and not like an institution
- Important to have enhanced outdoor spaces to encourage interaction and activity
- Create a consistent impression throughout the site in terms of materials
- Design bespoke adaptable partitons that aid the funcionality of the space
- Create spaces that residents can change the intimacy of
- Have a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces
- Make the most of the spaces by doubling up on fuctions
- Think about an acoustic insulation system to reduce noise travelling through the building
- Respect the existing structure and celebrate the existing façade
- Keep the residential and shared spaces seperate to make it easy for users to read the spaces
- Use voids spaces to create relationships between floors
- Create some form of divider to create the flexibility to open or close spaces
- Keep a consistent material language throughout
Arlington Manor, United Kingdom
- Create a bespoke handrail that communicates to the user when the rail is ending or changing direction
- Make sure there is some form of seating at all times in the user’s direct eyeline
- Use a variety of lighting types to create well lit spaces
- Make sure that if there is a material change, the transition is seamless
- Create spaces with contrasting surafces so the user can easily identify different boundaries and thresholds
In this chapter, it will discuss the conceptual strategies implemented within the retirement hub, to create a support network that would benefit ageing people in Lincolnshire. It will demonstrate how the concept has been developed by using an abstract design language throughout the development process and the justification behind the decisions made. The previous chapters ‘Influential Literature’ and ‘Precedent Studies’ will be used as supporting evidence which directed the design decisions.
The concept for this project is orientated around the lack of ‘ageing in place design’ which limits movement through the home and elderly independence. This results in reduced interactions and communication leading to loneliness. By implementing a successful spatial arrangement that has been carefully considered to create a safe and simple space to understand for the user, means the intervention will become an inclusive space for ageing people to socialise in and become more active to encourage a better quality of life.
First and foremost, the site has a complex history so remaining respectful and making sensitive design choices is critical (Stratten, 2011). An example of this is making changes such as replacing the existing boarded windows with double glazing but keeping the windows at the same width and length as before and referring back to the environments it would have had previously. The ideology of working with the existing and blending the old and the new (Hay, 2007). The reasoning for that is to respect the history of the site rather than to replace it. The approach to working with the existing fabrication of the building whilst adding new will allow a new purpose that preserves the rich history too (Scott, 2008:106).
This conceptual language will aim to:
Create safe and inclusive spaces.
Combine the old with the new.
Create a new narrative within the space.
preservation or demolition between (Scott,2008:15-16).
The concept is based primarily around the universal design principles. Each section of the concept model represents the different parts of the site; the shared, the gardens and the residential. The surfaces represent the different boundaries of a room. As we age, colour perception in the elderly declines and it becomes difficult to distinguish objects in a room. The muscles that control our pupil size and reaction to light weakens causing the pupils to become smaller and less responsive to changes in lighting and colour (Leatherbarrow, 2019). For example, if a white room was presented to an elderly person, they wouldn’t be able to differentiate between the walls and the ceiling (Daré, 2011).
Plywood represents the layering of the site and of the materials. Clear Acrylic represents the threshold between the space which allows light to flood the buildings. Oak represents the materials in the environment surrounding the site and creates warm spaces. The cool Sage Green represents the colour preference of the user in the sleeping spaces and the warm orange represents the colour preference of elderly in the activity spaces (Torres et al., 2020). When all three separate entities are put together, they connect and intertwine. These entities connect the site, the people, and the material language.
CONNECTIVITY - Each section represents the connectivity of the site, the user and the material language
SURFACES - Each surface represents different visual cues and the boundaries of a room
PLYWOOD - Represents the layering of the material language and connects the separate entities together
The first step taken when applying the concept into the building was analysing the original floorplans and what was remaining. The former corridors had all been removed in 2001 so there was some level of decay where the buildings would been have connected to the adjacent corridors (Stratten, 2001). Behind this is a large green space that is in between the proposed private and public space. A series of association plans showed exactly where spaces needed to be within the building to create a sense of home where the user could interact, be active, and connect.
- The space isn’t big enough to accommodate all rooms needed in proposal.
- The demolition of the internal corridors means that the remaining buildings aren’t complete and decaying
- No accessible toilets or lift
- Absent fire escape
- No appropriate doors to green space and residential buildings
Soltutions
- Add an extension to the rear of the main hub building.
- Maintain the central axis through the site.
- Create a design that’s easy for users to understand.
- Design with the elderly at the forefront.
The proposed hub floorplan maintains the principles of symmetry. Activity spaces span off from the central axis of the building and the floorplans give historical reference back to the original hospital layout.
The central passage has 4 exits which act as thresholds to the connecting green space, which will become a place for activity and reflection. A variety of sliding and bi-fold doors allow for the spaces to be opened up on the warmer months blurring the thresholds between the inside and outside.
Either side of the lobby are two lounges, this preserves the symmetry design principles from the existing floorplan.
The intervention is highlighted by timber cladding to contrast between the existing and the new.
Restoration/replacement/reparation
Throughout the interiors, timber partitional dividers mark the thresholds of the zonal transition spaces, blurring the lines between the public and private areas. This links to the second universal design principles, ‘flexibility in use’ by providing adaptability to the space. They lock at 90 degrees in two directions, this allows for the natural light to be manipulated during the day and to have the flexibility to create more private and intimate spaces. This language carries on throughout the site.
The two external corridors connect the site together, they provide a sheltered pathway to and from the main hub and residential buildings. Benches are placed frequently along the pathways to offer rest spaces for the user. Th pathways mark the boundary of the site and direct residents to the residential blocks.
Appliances in the kitchen are placed at heights that don’t require the user to bend down, this links to number 5 ‘tolerance for error’ making the spaces accessible and minimising hazards. Every surface is a different colour and texture to create differentiating boundaries for the user’s sight and touch. Whenever there is a new use of a space, the floor texture and colour changes.
‘Architecture is the thoughtful making of space’
(Louis Kahn).Figure 50: Intervention Strategy Plan, not to scale (Crouchman, 2023).
Additionally, materiality and colour are a key element of the design, as this signifies and highlights the different senses, in particular sight and touch. The sensory aspects will be evident throughout the building and will help to create spaces that encourage interaction. This will be shown through a variety of different textures, colours, floor finishes, surfaces, and lighting used throughout the building.
Working colours of the surrounding landscape into the design will create a sense of familiarity and safety. The material language takes pinches of the site history. For example, wooden panelling and Victorian tiles are seen in glimpses throughout. Coloured panelling also adds texture and colour creating a visible boundary for the user. It was important to make sure the materials used tonally align to the environment surrounding the site.
Overall, colours, lighting and different textures are layered to create sensory spaces that mark different boundaries and thresholds and the timber forms throughout, allows the flexibility of creating more intimate spaces.
The Universal Design Principles are made up of 7 guidelines to encourage and aid inclusive design. The concept of universal design is growing globally however, due to the rapidly changing and constant developments to technology, it has meant that design has limited and sometimes excluded the elderly population (Mustaquim, 2015). Environments that are designed using these principles are highly marketable, inclusive and can be fully used by everyone (Babich, 2021). In essence, the design principles are flexible, adaptable, safe, and effective.
With the use of universal design principles, physical and mental barriers that prevent the elderly from being active and involved in their communities can be diminished by adding features such as accessible doorways, ramps, and differentiating materials and textures between floor levels (Sungur and Polatoglu, 2010). The scope of the project is to create ergonomically exclusive spaces for ageing people that aid independence, encourage interaction, and allow them to reside in comfortably.
Designing spaces that encourage social connections can help elderly individuals feel less isolated (Nasrallah and Pati, 2021). Examples of such spaces include communal areas such as libraries, living spaces, activity hubs, that provide accessible and fun activities and shared outdoor spaces.
Designing spaces using ‘ageing in place design’ features, allow elderly individuals to live independently and comfortably and can help them feel less alone and more connected to their communities (Reed,2019). This could include wide doorways and hallways, easy to access storage and amenities, and two-way switches in bedrooms and near stairs (Kalita, 2017).
Within the hub the user is given a sensory stimulating and positive experience with the intention of aiding and guiding them along their journey.
There is a clear journey depicted on site, the north side depicting the public aspect and the south side, the residential private space. From this the users are given a sense of direction with a clear end point they can feel able to progress to and the journey throughout the site provides the user with a sense of progression and the freedom to engage as much or as little as personally preferred. This circulation encourages social interactions and means that the residents will see each other more often throughout the day.
An important factor in Ortus House is the user experience. To reduce loneliness there needs to be a plan in place to help keep residents engaged. An example of a weekly timetable highlights some of the key activities that would take place to enable interaction and communication amongst residents (see figure 57).
As the social space on the first floor is south facing, the windows have the same partial dividers on, this changes the direction of the light and creates more intimate spaces. This allows the users to retain the element of privacy.
Finally, the residential blocks each consist of a family room, three double bedrooms (for single or double occupancy each with ensuites and on the ground floor there is a shared laundry room. The bedrooms house a contained kitchenette that is hidden between sliding doors, the decision was made, not to create apartments with full kitchens as this is to promote interaction, encourage healthy eating habits in the main building amongst all residents.
In conclusion, the design development process has covered a variety of topics: concept development, spatial and surface alteration, and material consideration.
The ultimate aim is to create a holistic space that not only accommodates for the needs of ageing people, but also creates spaces that encourages users to interaction with one another. The proposal will take a focus on applying the universal design principles to create user friendly spaces, utilizing circulation spaces, accessibility as well as other residential and public spatial design strategies. It will provide a variety of communal hub spaces as well as private, personal living spaces for residents. The historical elements of the existing buildings are significant in making sure the users are well-engaged with the site.
The Ortus project is a preventative strategy to tackle the lack of ageing in place design, to accommodate for elderly independence and encourage interaction to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. The social issues faced within the county’s growing elderly population, highlights the demand for an innovative retirement hub intervention.
In this chapter I will be reflecting on the research process and evaluating how the different design processes have affected my personal growth throughout the academic year.
During the early stage of the project, I spent the majority of my time researching disused asylums. In second year, I researched about the adaptive re-use of asylums and thoroughly enjoyed the topic so knew I wanted to take the knowledge I learnt from that forward. I researched buildings locally and came across Rauceby Hospital in Greylees. It had a strong connection to rehabilitation and the integration of patients back into social lives, so I took this further. I knew from the offset that I wanted this project to reflect me as a designer and my values. It was key I developed a topic close to my heart. Though the focus was not initially on mentally ill patients or rehabilitation, I discovered that Rauceby Hospital served as a crash and burns unit in the second world war and McIndoe a plastic surgeon at the time played a large part in the healing and rehabilitation of soldiers. Following this path of rehabilitation, I started to research age groups that were apparent around Lincolnshire and in need of help. The elderly generation really struggled with loneliness and social isolation, even more so since the covid pandemic.
As I have a close bond with my grandparents, researching into elderly loneliness and discovering the statistics associated with this were upsetting. This only fuelled my motivation and drive with this project further. The importance of making sure my project would keep ageing people healthier and happier for longer was key. Knowing I would hate for any one of my grandparents to feel lonely for an extended period of time was a stronger driver in ensuring the workability of the space.
After identifying the purpose, user, and client, I then explored the possibilities of where my site would be. When deciding on a site location, it was important to find somewhere that was rural but also had good transport links. I was searching for a disused asylum as I loved researching about the adaptive re-use of buildings with sometimes sensitive histories. When searching about elderly loneliness, I came across the Age UK loneliness heat map which indicated that parts of Lincolnshire were in the high-risk category, also living in Lincoln myself meant that I had a higher chance of being able to visit site if it was permitted (Age UK, 2011).
Once I found a few potential sites, I searched the council websites to source floorplans, sections, and elevations. The site was brought in 2021 by private development company, Invicta Developments (Hubbert, 2020). Access to site hasn’t been possible as they hadn’t responded to my email asking about a potential site visit. This was a big concern of mine as I couldn’t visualise the interior of the buildings. However, through online research I located photographs that provided some insight to the interior and exterior of the buildings on site (Cornwell, 2012). This website also heavily cited the book ‘Rauceby’ which proved to be an incredibly important source. My chosen site linked well for a number of reasons; see figure 58.
The site lies in a conservation area, so I knew the design needed to remain respectful to the building’s history and would need to be considerate of the number of residents that can be comfortably accommodated for at one time. This led me to the conclusion that an intervention approach moving towards an extension between the communal and residential aspects will be necessary.
Although I found it challenging to work around the rules regarding construction in a conservation area, I surprised myself and thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so, I am heavily considering going into a company that predominantly focuses on the adaptive re-use of historical buildings.
At the beginning of the spatial configuration stage, I had created a design that had windows on most elevations of the intervention. However, upon reflection decided to reduce this as the entirety of the intervention would see sunlight for the majority of the day and I didn’t want the spaces to get overwhelmingly warm. Another reason for changing the layout was to create a private passage for residents to exit the hub quietly if they wished. Throughout the intervention I made use of what I had learnt about seasonal depression (Botek, 2021). This guided my design decisions in making sure there were a variety of windows that offered an outlook into the surrounding gardens.
At one point in the project, I had to put my personal preferences aside when it came to the material choices. I had done extensive research on timber cladding but hadn’t liked the look of it when it weathered. When researching I came across composite timber cladding, it was fire rated, low maintenance, and durable, all the qualities I had been looking for however it didn’t fit into the design concept which used a lot of natural timbers throughout the site. Once the decision was made, I began to see the beauty in ageing wood and realised it was what tied the concept together.
The spatial planning stage was tiring, for a long time I couldn’t find a way to fit in all of the proposed spatial requirements needed to create a successful intervention and it felt like the process was never ending. It did however teach me the importance of perseverance and to keep on going because eventually I created a design that had a good circulation and spatial configuration.
As the project was so large, I ran out of time to go into the finer details. I had thought about different hot water options with taps and kettle, which would be better in reducing hazard risks plus other detail which would have tied my project together even more.
I hadn’t appreciated the scale of the project I had taken on by having 4 buildings and a large green space. I would have like to do a more thorough landscaping design in the gardens but decided that the residents would take ownership more if they decided and planned on where they wanted the allotments and activity areas. This in itself would be a great activity for them.
Following the RIBA scheme of works has helped me to understand the different stages in the design process. Breaking it down into separate sections has helped me to manage and divide my time move evenly.
Initially, I hadn’t realised the significance the literature review I conducted, would have on the development of my project. I was fascinated by some of the literature I read, this massively helped me to identify and develop a conceptual and theoretical approach. At times I found myself feeling overwhelmed with the amount of material I was reading, but by breaking it down I began to absorb it section by section. Although in this day and age we’re encouraged to read online to be more sustainable, I prefer to print resources off to make notes and collate information. I find physical articles easier to understand.
For example, the book ‘Rauceby’ written by Gwyneth Stratten proved to be an incredibly important source in learning the history as to why the building was built how it was, and the running of the asylum. This helped to build a connection with the history of site and made it easier justifying decisions.
Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory was created by David Kolb and was designed to help individuals identify the way they learn. It’s a holistic learning and development process centred on the reflection of our experiences (Kolb, 1984).
Following the learning cycle exercise by Kolb, I scored the highest in the category of Reflective Observation. According to Kolb, this means I reflect upon my own experiences, observe, and reflect on the decisions made, why they were made and the results that came from these. I have suffered from self-doubt throughout the design process, reflecting on how I am emotionally feeling has sometimes felt overpowering and has damaged my creative process. To change this, I worked on being more open-minded and forgiving to myself.
This has helped me to maintain the quality and progress of my work and stabilised my feelings throughout the remainder of the course.
Moreover, a diverging leader tends to feel and watch during the learning cycle (Kolb, 1984). As a design student I often find myself gathering information and using my imagination to solve problems rather than taking a more practical approach. Whilst I agree that I am able to look at things from a different perspective and that I’m a sensitive person orientated around others, I also believe that I am competent in drawing conclusions based on my observations and can see the bigger picture which comes under the abstract conceptualisation style.
At this moment in time, I am currently in my final term refining my design and finalising the technical decisions. This involves the specification of the design in terms of material finishes and construction. I feel as though this is the stage of my project that I am struggling the most with. Taking a step back to make sure the concept I have created is represented in a wider application throughout the space has helped me to manage and divide my time.
In conclusion I need to ensure that all aspects of my design are well justified and communicated throughout the space.
In 2019 I was diagnosed with an auto-Immune condition in which one of the main symptoms is chronic fatigue. I have experienced over my university time some periods of extreme fatigue which I have felt have set me back and have affected my mental stability and confidence.
This past year has been very testing as I have suffered a number of losses that have affected my mental status quo. I lost my maternal grandfather, my biggest inspiration who was a design engineer and architect, and an amazing character. This was the first grandparent I had lost, and I experienced emotions I’ve never felt before.
Coming back into year three was particularly hard without him there for his guidance and support and then worrying about those he had left behind and how they were coping. I hope I’ve done him proud!
A break at Christmas gave me some muchneeded energy to get the second term off to a strong start. However, in the space of just two weeks at the end of my second term, I encountered two further losses, the first being my beloved family pet part of my life since I was a toddler and the realisation that a corrupted file had meant I had lost three months’ worth of work. This all had a big impact over the easter break when I needed my focus on my studies.
When I finish university, I wish to consolidate all the knowledge I have amassed over the past three years and apply it to a design role. As designers, a significant proportion of our brief relates to the visual representation of research and data that is evident throughout this exegesis and I have gained much confidence in completing this project.
To conclude, this design exegesis has discussed the significance that ergonomically inclusive environments can have on the independence, feelings, and emotions within the ageing population.
The design proposal aims to create a relaxing, positive, and stimulating environment that offers residents an inclusive and safe space to seek the security and independence they need, whilst offering a community feel to help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. The design intervention alters the existing form in a way that is sympathetic to the history of the site and celebrates the design principles to create a circulation that is simple to understand and stress-free for the user to navigate.
The Ortus project proposes long term, sustained change in reducing loneliness, increasing ageing people’s social confidence and independence by providing safe, ergonomically inclusive spaces that design with the elderly as the prime consideration instead of an afterthought. Overall, the proposed design has demonstrated the concept and needs of the user completely. It has incorporated the universal design principles, without it feeling clinical or an institution for the elderly. Due to the predicted growth in the elderly population, the hub could be utilised for many years to come making it a viable and well justified project.
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