A thesis book for the Final Architectural Project submitted to the Department of Architecture School of Architecture, Art and Design, American University in Dubai In particular fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Bachelor of Architecture Fall 2019
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Copyright © 2019 by Christine Rizk Guirguis All rights reserved
Approval of the Thesis Book for Final Architectural Project Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, Art, and Design, American University in Dubai Student’s Full Name: Christine Rizk Guirguis Thesis Book Title: REWIND - Ageing Beyond Taboo
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Student Signature: Date: 19/12/2019 Professor Name: Abdellatif Qamhaieh Professor Signature: Date:
REWIND
Ageing Beyond Taboo by Christine Rizk Guirguis
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Old age is the most unexpected of all things that happen to a man. Leon Trotsky
Abstract F
or the longest time, humans have been preoccupied with the notion of immortality, while the concept of growing old has been a source of torment and fear. Ageing, however, is the most natural and inevitable phenomenon that humans face. As time passes, we go through periods of development: childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. The latter being the most sensitive and vulnerable period of co-dependency and increased needs. In fact, growing old is often compared to returning to a second childhood. The current elderly population faces issues of deterioration in terms of social isolation and ill health. Nursing homes and retirement houses are often clinical and dull spaces where the ageing population is sent to wither away. Architecture can play a significant role in slowing that decline. Caring for the elderly in the Middle East is an especially critical issue, and yet a major social taboo. It is estimated that there is roughly 10,000 elderly of Emirati nationals in Dubai alone. While the government aims to provide transportation and financial services for elderly citizens, the quality of spaces dedicated to elderly care varies from poor to extremely inefficient. The negative connotation of such spaces is one of the reasons for the social taboo. Consequently, senior citizens experience seclusion and solitude in spaces that are no longer apt for their changing needs. Thus, affecting their mental performance as well as their physical health even further. My proposal is to design a dedicated space for the elderly that slows down the functional decline that occurs in old age by encouraging socialising and active involvement in society. The design will explore sensory architecture and inclusive design to maintain and improve the quality of life for the elderly population. It will also address systems of cohabitation within the cultural boundaries of the context in terms of gender separation and cultural folklore. The aim is for the built environment to provide support for the current senior population as well as address issues for the future ageing generations. This design aims to challenge the pejorative notion of spaces dedicated to elderly care.
Picture in its normal layout This symbol will indicate the page’s change in orientation
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Flip the book accordingly 90°
How to Read this Book
Old
age is a second childhood. The vulnerability of THE elderly
is a result of a series of deterioration to their abilities that likens them to
physical and cognitive
their younger counterparts.
This book is designed to allow you to experience some of the above mentioned deteriorations in a visual manner. Gaps in text are an allusion to the forgetfulness brought on by Alzheimers’. Rotated images and repetitions symbolize the disorientation that the elderly often experience in new spaces and the issue of familiarity. Enlarged and blurry text is a consequence of a declining vision. This is particularily amplified in Chapter 3 that explores the different levels of deteriorations. The color yellow is reminiscient of childhood and intends to add a playful twist to the glooming topic of mortality and ageing. Much like the spaces designed for the elderly, they must have an element of revival and an injection of life that stimulates their senses.
Pour E.H, Je peux tout dire, mais je manquerai les mots pour exprimer ma profonde gratitude pour ton soutien inébranlable. À la place, je te dédis donc mon travail et mon livre.
Christine
Acknowledgments I would like to express my gratitude to all those who were involved in the completion of this thesis and in particular: Professor Abdellatif Qamhaieh, for his guidance and advice My family, for their support My friends, for their encouragements
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Thank you. 17
Most people, in choosing a new home, look for comfort: a serene atmosphere, smooth walls and floors, a logical layout. Nonsense. People, particularly old people, shouldn’t relax and sit back to help them decline. They should be in an environment that stimulates their senses and invigorates their lives. – Shusaku Arakawa
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CONTENTS 1.0 | Immortal
1.1 1.2 1.3
Unlimited Living Ageing in the Modern World The UAE’s Elders
Section I | What?
2.0 | Defiant 2.1 2.2 2.3
Ageing Across Cultures The Ultimate Taboo Places of Solitude
3.0 | Fragile 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4
Facets of Ageing Physical Deterioration Mental Deterioration Social Deterioration
4.0 | Precedent Works 4.1. 4.2 4.3
Home & the Familiar Lessons from Montemurlo Spatial Diversity Lessons from Graz Intergenerational Dialogue Lessons from Venarey-Les-Laumes Section II | Like?
5.0 | Relevant Achitecture 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5
ARoS Arhus Art Museum Ingolstadt Learning Centre San Antoni Joan Oliver Library De Plussenburgh Reversible Destiny Lofts
6.0 | Site Analysis 6.1 6.2
Site Selection Context Analysis
Section III | Where?
7.0 | Program 7.1 7.2
Case Studies Program Derived Program
Section IV | With?
8.0 | Concept 8.1 Wayfinding 8.2 Bridge 8.3 Curious 8.4 Axis
Section V | How?
Problem Statement: Ageing as a global phenomenon
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1.0 Immortal 2.0 Defiant 3.0 Fragile
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| IMMORTAL
1.1. Unlimited Living
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he idea of longevity has been sought after by scientists, writers and philosophers. Life-extensionists and longevists develop theories and research on infinitely extending human life. Throughout history, authors and cinematographers have portrayed this human obsession with staying young and evading death. Herodotus, an ancient Greek historian, wrote of an Ethiopian tribe called the Macrobians; known for their youthfulness and longevity1. The myth of ‘‘Fountain of Youth’’ originates from his writing that describes a spring of water that restores the effects of ageing and extends human life. Its location is a mystery that emperors and explorers alike have risked their lives in attempts to find it. 25
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owever, the quality of this infinite life is rarely discussed. All myths and tales of indefinite life-extension and absence of ageing have, in fact, all ended badly. Those who remain youthful and live forever experience loneliness and moral dilemmas. Stories of Dorian Gray outliving his ageing portrait until he becomes so isolated and lonely that he voluntarily removes himself from society by committing suicide2. HonorĂŠ de Balzac writes of RaphaĂŤl a young man who encounters a piece of cloth with the power of granting wishes, but with every wish, his skin shrivels and he loses a portion of his youth until he accelerates his ageing and becomes very old and isolated. The novel explores his consequent loneliness and regrets of growing old3.
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He who is unhappy with his existence will have difficulties fully living.
- Immanuel Kant
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Would we want to live to be 180?
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he reality is that humans are a mortal and vulnerable species. Ageing is one of the most natural processes of human development, yet one that humans are the least prepared for. In fact, we start ageing the moment we are born and continue to until we reach an age when we experience a decline in a physical, mental and social capacity. At that point, the concept of ageing becomes frightening when it affects our daily lives and ability to function. Not only is it an obstacle for the elderly themselves, but it also an onerous burden for their relatives who are unable to provide them with the care and support that they require3.
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1.2. Ageing in the Modern World
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he medical and technological advances over the years enabled a significant extension in human life expectancy, but that resulted in a rapidly ageing world population. In fact, this ageing phenomenon continues to expand as it is estimated that the number of senior citizens is expected to more than double from 841 million people in 2013 to more than 2 billion in 20504. This development profoundly affects the structure of society as the UN also projects that the number of older persons will exceed the number of children by the year 2047. This change is a consequence of a reduction in mortality accompanied by a reduction in fertility, which results in a higher growing proportion of elderly in the world population. 37
How prepared are our cities and infrastructure for such a significant shift?
The answer varies from one nation to another. Developed countries have been experiencing this change in societal structure for several decades now and are relatively more apt to handle it. However, developing countries have just recently begun undergoing the shift as their mortality and fertility rates gradually decrease. “In 2050, nearly 80 per cent of the world’s older population will live in the less developed regions� according to the United Nations report on Population Ageing. To put that into perspective, the older population is estimated to represent 25% of the total population of developing countries by 2090, making their place in society all the more critical.
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he UAE, along with its neighbouring GCC countries, is in the middle of the demographic transition. In the case of the Emirates, it is a relatively youthful country with a young demographic. However, it is currently experiencing a dramatic drop in fertility and mortality rates, which places it into the category of Middle Eastern countries with the fastest ageing population process5. While the current median age of the population is 33 years, and the percentage of senior citizens is approximately 4.27%, it is estimated that by 2050, the elderly population will represent 29% of the population of the UAE6. That is a substantial development in the social structure of the country that cannot be overlooked or ignored.
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1.3. The UAE’s Elders
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NEWSPAPER HEADLINES Christine Rizk Sep 22, 2019
How is the government addressing this change?
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Shireena Al Nowais Oct 1, 2018
Ruba Haza Oct 21, 2018
Sachi Leith June 15, 2013
Amna Ehtesham Khaishgi Feb 7, 2015
Sherouk Zakaria Oct 1, 2018 43
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“A society will ultimately be judged by how it treats its elders� Albert Einstein
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| DEFIANT
2.1. Ageing Across Cultures How do different societies define ageing?
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ome societies, like the United States, consider an elderly person as someone above the age of 65. In other tribal societies like New Guinea, an elder is aged 50 and above. This is a considerable variation that informs how different societies are shaped. The United Nations have defined an ageing person to be 60 years and above. In efforts to support the ageing population across the world, October 1st has been declared by the UN as the International Day for Older Persons7. 45
How are the Elders viewed in different cultures?
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anguage is efficient in translating a culture’s respect for its elderly. The suffix -ji in Hindi is added to a person’s name as an expression of reverence i.e. Mahatma Gandhiji. Similarly, in Japan the suffix -san is used with elders. In Polynesian languages, the word kūpuna is used to add the connotation of experience and knowledge when addressing an elder. The variation of how the elderly are treated across different cultures is directly related to how each culture views the usefulness of the elderly as well as society’s values. The different services that elders bring to society include producing food and looking after the younger generations. In traditional societies in particular, the elderly are viewed as a source of knowledge and wisdom and in some cases take leadership roles to guide the younger generations in topics such as politics, medicine and religion. To an even bigger extent, unlike our modern literate societies, tribal societies rely heavily on the elders as their knowledge is crucial for survival and the transmittance of historical events as well as customs and traditions. However, one of the most significant socio-cultural shifts in recent history is the change of social emphasis from elderly veneration to youth idolatry. F.14
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شيخ
VIEJO
VECCHIO
OLD
Kaumātua
Ältere
kūpuna
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How does tradition and folklore influence where the Elderly live? Most Asian countries influenced by Confucian teachings observe “filial piety’’ as one of the main principles that emphasizes obedience, respect and support for one’s older parents. This reflects on the traditional living arrangements of elderly Asian parents residing with their eldest children. In Indian culture, it is customary that a newly married couple resides with the groom’s family as a part of a patrilocal living arrangement. Whereas western societies like the United States and Northern Europe, concepts of self-reliance and independence are very prominent which means it is very common for teenagers to leave their parents’ home once they reach early adulthood.
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mong developed countries with a high proportion of the elderly population, Japan has been tackling the challenge of ageing for the past 40 years through social reforms. However, the stereotypical image of young Japanese people looking after their parents has shifted majorly since the country’s sharp economic growth. The younger population is now immersed in their professional life, and thus fewer families can take care of their elders. The only alternative available is retirement homes which are majorly frowned upon in the Asian society. To respond to this issue, the government built several types of care facilities including day-care centres, nursing homes and assisted living developments. Also being a highly technologically driven nation, they have turned to care robots to provide care and company for the senior population that is neglected by the younger generation8. Robots like Aibo, Wakamaru and Paro are targeting the isolated senior population, but can they replace human care?
Is assistive technology isolating and dehumanising the elderly even further?
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nearby Asian country is also facing a significant issue. The Chinese government is in particular predicament as the success of the one-child policy brought along the severe problem of a dramatically ageing population with little to no support from the younger generations. However, the senior Chinese citizens are different from their Japanese counterparts in that they are preoccupied with earning a living. In Chinese culture, old age is not marked by the end of the professional life like in many European countries. The ageing person tends to continue their professional life or lead similar roles, and in doing so, they participate in active ageing. Consequently, they are objectively living more fulfilling lives by contributing to society and remaining active members of it.
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imilarly, African countries that traditionally hold a stable social structure with the elderly representing a respected and influential figure, suffer from a societal shift. Like their Asian counterparts, African countries are experiencing significant economic growth within major urban centres. This results in the migration of the younger population towards the major cities in search of better opportunities. The result is a group of elderly left behind in rural areas to care for themselves. In fact, the elderly turn to each other for care and company with a concept of mutual aid. They form their own independent entity; some have turned to rural agricultural production to provide for their elderly communities.
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n contrast, the situation in European countries depends on several factors, such as contextual location and welfare provisions. Most commonly, intergenerational living is the solution for elderly care in southern and central European nations like Greece, Italy and Spain9. Northern countries work on integrating nursing homes and elderly facilities within the urban context with small-scale infrastructures connected by efficient transportation systems.
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In conclusion
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By studying how different cultures deal with the issue of ageing, we can note that urbanisation is a significant factor in the isolation and seclusion of the elderly. The younger generations move to the city to look for better economic opportunities, leaving the elderly behind with no adequate care facilities. This has led to different solutions that are culturally sensitive and contextually responsive such as Japan’s technological aid, Africa’s agricultural interests and China’s work-oriented solutions. It is essential to cultivate the elderly’s abilities that are unique to them and can be useful to society. Similarly to how most scholars are over the age of 60, some abilities increase with age such as supervising, advising, teaching and strategizing. Tribal societies are the best example of giving their elderly fulfilling and socially rich lives by keeping them involved and making use of their valuable knowledge and abilities.
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The glory of the elderly is their insight to life.
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- Lailah Gifty Akita
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ال
مسنني
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2.2. The Ultimate Taboo
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he Elderly, in the Arab culture, are a source of wisdom and pride for the younger generation. Due to religious and cultural values, it is regarded as taboo for the seniors in the family to be placed in a retirement home.
و املنسيني The Old and The Forgotten
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owever, recent sociopolitical factors have influenced these deeply rooted traditions. Issues of modernisation and social migration have seen the younger generations leaving their home and thus, affecting the elderly generation that is left behind with no care10. Families of the Northern Emirates migrate to the capital and Dubai for better opportunities. Consequently, it has become a trend for families to entrust their elderly in hospitals to provide them with primary care, even when these individuals do not require medical attention.
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l Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah is an example of such behaviour and has reported a dramatic increase in elderly patients in the past years. Al Bayan Newspaper states in its article “The Elderly Issues Concern Al-Qassimi Hospital Administration’’ that the hospital had to return 20% of the patients to their relatives and 35% were sent to Sharjah Old People Home after their families refused to take them back11.
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he only type of actual care provided for the Elderly in most Middle Eastern and Arab countries is not institutionalized. That includes two types: female relatives care-providers or paid nurses through care at home concepts. The latter is facilitated by the availability of cheap labour, which encourages the concept of ageing-in-place. This concept is the most wildly practiced type of ageing in the Middle East and in particular in the GCC region. It is usually due to preference or lack of funds that the elderly choose to remain in their residence as they age. However, this practice can be very harmful for the following reasons: firstly, the space they occupy does not evolve to adapt to their changing needs. In fact, stairs become challenging and, in some cases, impossible to climb. The amount of light that they require because of their diminishing vision increases. Most importantly, in most cases they are alone. Secluded from society, the elderly in the Middle East are living in a space that no longer caters for their needs11.
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2.3. Places of Solitude
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et us examine the different typologies currently offered in terms of elderly care facilities. Retirement homes are the most common, and most frowned upon typology. It resembles a hotel in its arrangement of rooms, characteristically centred around common areas. They are typically dull environments and do not provide a sense of place.
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It is often said that the value and meaning of a civilization can be documented from the record it leaves in the form of architecture and that the true measure of compassion and civility of a society lies in how well it treats its frail older people.
- Victor Regnier
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ssisted Living is a housing scheme of independent apartments with personal and health care services offered at any time of the day. This type of housing arrangement encourages maximum independence even with the need for ongoing care. It reduces the need for transportation to acquire services and maximises the elderly’s autonomy, privacy and independence while accommodating their needs such as mobility in the design8.
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dult Day Care facilities are non-residential centres that provide care and assistance during the day which centre around social interaction for the lonely by encouraging group settings. Some are more medically oriented, and some are entirely focused on the social aspect of ageing. This type of arrangement typically involves another fulltime caregiver, usually a relative, that cares for the ageing person in their residence. This involves the aspect of transportation and easy access.
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lderly cohousing facilities are self-arranged communal spaces and housing that revolve around mutual aid. Living in proximity to others of the same needs with common spaces allows for social interaction and promotes mutual assistance. This type of arrangement can still include the provision of care but is typically a more independent alternative to retirement homes with residents that are overall less dependent.
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ntergenerational living is a new typology that aims to respond to urban developments and the issue of fast demographic changes. They can be urban neighbourhoods or a single apartment building that combines the needs of the young and the old at once. It is planned with different housing options with an easily accessible living environment in community. This is done to encourage younger generations to stay with their ageing relatives instead of moving away. It is designed to adapt to the changing structure of generations in the future.
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Typology Comparison
Typology
Social Interaction
Type of Residence
High (1)
Medium (4)
Semi-Private
Assisted Living
Medium (2)
Low (5)
Private
Adult Day Care
Low (5)
High (1)
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Elderly CoHousing
Low (3)
High (1)
Semi-Private
Intergenerational Living
Low (4)
High (2)
Semi-Private
Retirement Home
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Level of Depeendency
Medical Care Provision
he comparison between the five existing typologies of elderly care facilities allows for a better understanding of each’s individual characteristic and application. To break the taboo associated with elderly spaces in the Middle East region, it is important to identify the typologies that can be applied in spite of the cultural nuances and reservations. Three of the five typologies are identified as potentially applicable to the region. The Adult Day Care centres are the prominent typology in the Middle East11, however, it is entirely insufficient. The role of an Adult Day Care centre is to provide social interaction for the elderly that have a primary caretaker for a determined period of time during the day. This excludes those with no caretakers, and further isolates from society by giving them no contact to those of younger ages. 68
Pros
Cons
Compatibility with Middle Eastern Culture
Structured environment with proper care provided
Dull spaces that are hard to adapt to
Negative connotations associated with this typology.
Preserved sense of home and necessary care provided
Isolated with limited social interaction
Caretakers are not uncommon in the region
Encouraged social interaction and involvement and active ageing
Only suitable for day care and independent elderly
This typology is already applied in the region
Communal living built on mutual aid
Hard to adapt culturally and less private than assisted living
Issues of privacy makes co-housing difficult to apply
Hight intergenerational social interaction and aids in active ageing
Less private than own home and assisted living
Interaction between generations is encouraged. Elders are considered mentors
While intergeneration interaction is encouraged, it usually limited to direct relatives such as one’s grandparents. Although, an older person is generally regarded with respect and importance regardless of familial relation. The Assisted Living facilities, though not currently applied in the region, are not incompatible with the region’s culture and tradition. In fact, in-home caretakers are very common and are the primary solution for taking care of the elderly. However, seniors with in-home caretakers lack the social contact that is provided for example in retirement homes or co-housing facilities. Thus, it can be deduced that a combination of the three typologies, namely the Assisted Living facilities, the Adult Day Care centres and the Intergenerational spaces, is the optimal solution to balance the elderly’s needs with the cultural reservations. 69
Design Implications |
Programming & Planning Guidlines
ADULT DAY CARE
Sample Program for 50 Occupants SPACE Entry/ Administration/ Reception Waiting and reception Interview and meeting room Wheelchair storage Public toilet
Common Activities
Dinning and recreation (50 people at 30 sq ft/person) General Activities (10 people at 25 sq ft/person) Activities of daily living (ADLs) kitchen/work area
Special Program
Physical therapy room Exam and treatment room Private counseling room Quiet room (6 people at 30 sq ft/person)
Staff Area
Director’s office Staff work stations (10 at 30 sq ft/person) Staff lounge and multipurpose room
AREA (sq ft) 150 150 40 55
1500 250 250
400 150 120 180
120 300 200
Support Area
Medical records and files 50 Pantry 200 Storage 100
Toilet Rooms
Single use (4 at 50 sq ft) Toilet room and shower Staff toilet (1 at 55 sq ft) Washer and dryer Janitor’s closet
200 100 55 20 40
Mechanical and electrical
300
Total net area 70
5,060
ASSITED LIVING
Sample Program for 40 Occupants SPACE Entry/ Administration/ Reception Lobby and waiting area Director’s office Staff’s office Public toilet Staff toilet Workroom and storage
Residential Areas (4 residential clusters) 8 Single rooms with bathrooms 1 Double room with bathrooms Cluster sitting area and private alcove Dinning room for 10 people
AREA (sq ft) 350 140 140 50 50 200
1,760 400 250 250
Shared Area for each cluster
Kitchen/ staff work area 350 TV/Den 250 Laundry room 50 Housekeeping 100 Storage 15 Toilet 45
Activity and Program Areas
Great room Communal room Arts & Crafts Multipurpose room 2 Toilets Beauty and barber shop
700 400 250 250 90 150
Services and Support
Kitchen 1,200 Storage 400 Laundry room (soiled and clean holding) 300 Mechanical and electrical 1,020 Staff lounge and retreat 280 Staff lockers 40
Total gross area
30,735 71
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| FRAGILE
3.1. Facets of Ageing
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eople experience the process of ageing differently; some may live to an advanced age while maintaining their functional abilities and health, and some may experience functional deterioration early on. Therefore, it is important to make a distinction between chronological and biological ageing. The passing of time indexes chronological ageing, which is the number of years a person has lived. Senescence, also known as biological ageing, is technically defined as the “gradual deterioration of functional characteristics’’. This deterioration can be seen across all aspects of life, namely physical, mental and social aspects. It is the only stage of human development where human abilities decline instead of progress. The elderly revert back to the infancy stage in their vulnerability and needs. 73
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geing can be broken down further into separate phases: the young-old (65–74), the middle-old (75–84), and the old-old (85+)12. These phases are directly related to the degree of deterioration and therefore the level of dependency. The senescence and decline are linear; therefore, the old-old group experience higher levels of decline and are exceedingly more dependent.
There is a distinction between primary and secondary ageing
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Furthermore, this deterioration can be influenced by several factors. Birren and Cunningham are researchers on ageing who have made the distinction between primary and secondary ageing13. Primary ageing, presently irreversible, is defined as biological changes related to biochemical damage such as fading vision and impaired hearing. Secondary ageing, however, is defined as deteriorations related to controllable factors such as the immediate environment.
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he most apparent form of deterioration in the elderly is physical. It is often the most referenced type of deterioration because it is the most visible. Stephen Golant, in his book “Caring Environments for Frail Elderly People’’ separates the physiological changes that occur in old age into several categories14.
PHYSICAL DETERIORATION 76
Muscular Skeletal - Movement, Balance, Flexibility, Strength and Control The muscular system experiences decline after the age of 30. The muscles lose their strength which significantly affects the person’s endurance, coordination and balance. Along with that, the bones frail and brittle and the joints lose their elasticity, affecting flexibility and dexterity. This makes simple tasks such as walking from one point to another much more challenging for a person over the age of 65. In fact, a person aged 65 will take 16 times longer to reach from point A to point B than a person aged 2514. Furthermore, a weakened muscular and skeletal system means a higher risk of injury and susceptibility of fall. This makes common objects like stairs and curbs not only obstacles for the elderly, but also hazards. Consequently, activities related to bending, kneeling, turning and rising are completed with a significantly higher level of difficulty and an added risk of injury. F.35
Perception and Sensory – Environmental Perception and Communication All five senses are affected by old age. However, perception and communication are the two most critical. Sight and hearing are arguably the senses a person is most dependent on, and they are the ones most affected by ageing. Adult vision is accompanied by significant changes, notably blurriness, alteration in depth perception and decreased perception of colour. Vision impairment significantly affects the elderly’s interaction with their environment15. Similarly, communication is affected. Hearing impairment caused by ageing is prevalent due to injury to the hearing bones or ear nerves. This reflects on the elderly’s quality of life as it further isolates them from society. It is also important to note that while hearing loss may occur, the ear also becomes sensitive to loud sounds. F.36
Endocrine and Stimuli – Nervous System
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Changes in hormones affect the body’s reception to outside temperatures. This means that the elderly are more sensitive to colder climates and environments than their younger counterparts. Along with reduced musculature mass, the bones are much more exposed and vulnerable to lower temperatures.
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P1
| Design Implications Principle 1: Mobility Considerations
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survey conducted by the University of California reports the elderly’s frequent barriers to community participation as the following: 43% unsuitable building design, 32% transportation as well as sidewalks and curbs 25%16. The Elderly should not have to adapt to the built environment, but rather the built environment must fulfil the requirements to adapt to the elderly’s physical abilities and constraints in what is defined as ‘’BarrierFree Design’’. The latter takes into consideration the elderly’s limited mobility by providing more accessible means of circulation and access. According to Christian Schittich ‘’the interplay among the skeletal, ligamental and musculoskeletal systems, connected with the neuronal system, is the prerequisite for mobility’’17. As previously mentioned, the functionality of these systems reduces with age. Therefore, spatial design targeted for elderly use must simplify circulation paths to fit their needs. A barrier-free building meets the needs of older people in both horizontal and vertical circulation systems18: In terms of horizontal circulation, the general access to the building as well as transitions from one space to another must be considered.
Passageways and corridors The spaces for movement must be at least 150cm wide | this includes accessibility for wheelchair users. Flooring Flooring must be suitable for wheelchairs to travel over them easily and without vibration. Width for Passing through doors Doorways must have a clear width of at least 90 centimeters.
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A barrier-free building meets the needs of older people in both horizontal and vertical circulation systems18: In terms of vertical be accessed with ease.
circulation, multi-story buildings must provide systems to
Lifts Spaces of Movement The spaces for movement must be at least 150x150 centimeters in front of the lift shaft doors. Size of the Lift Cage The lift cage should have the following minimum dimensions: 110x140 centimeters of clear width and depth
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Ramps Spaces of Movement The space for movement must be at least 150 x 150 centimeters at the start and at the end of the ramp. Gradient The gradient of the ramp must not exceed six percent | takes into consideration wheelchair users as well as the elderly walking with the risk of tipping forward if the inclination is higher.
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Length If the ramp is longer than 600 centimeters, a half landing 150 centimeters in length is required.
Stairs Spaces of Movement The spaces of movement must be a minimum of 150 centimeters wide adjacent to the top and bottom of the staircase.
Dimensions The dimensions of the flight and tread should follow the ideal ratio of 17 cm rise and 28 cm tread.
Handrails Handrails should be ergonomically adapted to the hand round or oval with a diameter of three to four centimeters.
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n relation to transportation, the American Institute of Architects’ ‘’10 principles for Livable Communities’’ feature three principles that specifically target the removal of physical barriers in mobility to encourage a more inclusive environment for age-related disabilities19: 1.
Designing on a Human Scale | compact pedestrian-friendly communities that allow people of all ages to walk to services, cultural resources and jobs, and can reduce traffic congestion.
2.
Provide choices | variety creates lively neighbourhoods and accommo- dates residents throughout their lifespan.
3.
Vary Transportation options | providing the possibility to walk, bike and use public transport reduces traffic congestion, protects the environ- ment and encourages physical activity.
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| Design Implications Principle 2: Multi-Sensory Stimulation
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dequate lighting in an elderly care facility is essential. Research estimates that the amount of light needed to complete a simple task is triple for a 60-year-old compared to a 20-year-old 20. The level of light also affects the circadian cycle, as it is vital for the ageing person to recognise a clear pattern of light and dark to regulate their biological rhythm. Consequently, inadequate light and fluorescent light are considered harmful as they can lead to sleep disorders and depressive episodes. Therefore, daylight is an essential tool when designing a space for the elderly. It is also notable to consider providing adjustable lighting zones for the different activities, and to distinguish between private and public areas. This also provides the occupants with the choice in the level of sensory stimulation as too much light can also be harmful to those with eye diseases like cataract.
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ound pollution or environmental noise can be particularly disturbing for the elderly. While some may suffer from hearing problems, others’ hearing can be too sensitive to noise. It also has been proven that quieter environments reduce the level of distress in the elderly 21. Therefore, planning a hierarchal order of social spaces with varying levels of noise allows the occupants to choose the level of sensory stimulation. Along with conducting a proper acoustic study and the adequate use of materials can provide a comfortable and safe environment.
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MENTAL DETERIORATION
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C
ognitive
ageing is the term used to describe
cline in cognitive skills as an
the gradual de-
onset of ageing. These cognitive skills in-
clude awareness, memory, orientation and processing speed22. A certain
level of decrease in cognitive skills
individuals experience
illnesses such as dementia and
derly’s
ent
on others.
is considered normal;
severe cognitive
quality of life as they
of dementia and directly
their
however, some
impairment which leads to
Alzheimer’s. These severally impact the el-
become increasingly more
depend-
Disorientation is a major symptom
affects the elderly’s interaction
with space and
surroundings. This means that the adaption to their living
environment is crucial to enable them to live more
independently8.
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undown Syndrome is an example of how the environment can positively or negatively affect an ageing person with dementia. The syndrome is described as several behaviours occurring in the afternoon to the evening. Those affected exhibit symptoms of confusion, restlessness and sometimes aggression relating to the time of day. Patterns that aggravate these symptoms are environmentally related such as low lighting and increased shadows which lead to confusion and fear. For that reason, it is crucial for the space to have adequate light exposure to separate daytime and nighttime to avoid aggravating the symptoms23.
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ccording to the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementias, it has been proven that environmental intervention through the design of the space occupied by elderly with dementia can be just as effective as pharmaceutical interventions24. In fact, their interaction with their immediate surroundings plays a role in stimulating their brain and maintaining active and healthy cognitive functions. Their surroundings can also have a negative impact and create further opportunities for disorientation and confusion. In her journal ‘’Designing environments for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease: Some general principles’’, Myra Schiff argues that the focus has always been on how architecture can harm instead of how it can heal. She explains that applying specific design strategies that target the elderly’s vulnerabilities can dramatically transform their environment from harmful to helpful25. 92
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P3
| Design Implications Principle 3: Facilitate Orientation
W
ayfinding is the most important strategy to consider when designing a facility that targets declining cognitive skills. Studies in the 1980s emphasised the relation between hostile built environments and feelings of agitation, anxiety, and confusion in patients suffering from dementia in care settings26. Spatial orientation depends on the layout of the floor plan which should favour unique as opposed to repetitive spaces to minimise confusion. However, unnecessary complexities should be avoided to prevent the increased risk of getting lost in unfamiliar settings. The latter is not only caused by memory decline but also due to the decreased ability to connect specific functions to their location.
Successful wayfinding strategies lead to more dependent living for the elderly and a reduced need for institutionalisation27. Floor plan features that support orientation include: Cluster Layout Small and open plan layouts grouped in clusters.
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Reference Points Spatial anchors to aid in spatial memory, visual cues with pause points.
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Distinctive Spaces Clear functions with multi-sensory attractors.
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Visual Access Direct line of sight between private and social spaces.
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Consistency and familiarity The distinction between adaptable and unchanging spaces.
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Floor plan features that cause disorientation include: Complex Layouts Labryinth and symmetrical layouts that render wayfinding more confusing.
Repetetive Elements Large amount of doors in a corridor...
Long Corridors Monotonous and repetitive elements.
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Numerous Circulation Paths Increasing the need for a hierarchical decision on which path to take.
Dead-end Corridors Emphasize connections between spaces.
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Complex Circulation System Travelling from one floor to another means introducing a new space that may be repetitive which increases confusion
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Effective circulation patterns are short continuous loops that are planned in a logical sequence and do not require decision making or a mental map of the space 28. Predicting the path the occupant will take informs the placement of the different functions in a simple and intuitive way; these can be planned according to the time of day.
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The following is a visual chapter that face as a consequence of a deep-rooted alone increases with age. This is caused The spaces the elderly occupy become ageing process. The photographs are Montes’’ by Ricardo Ramos is a project alone in villages in Portugal. The second
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represents the loneliness that the elderly social isolation. The likelihood of living by having absent or uninvolved relatives. places of solitude, unsuitable for a healthy part of two photography series: ‘‘Trás os raising awarness for elderly seniors living is ‘‘Lonely Bulgaria’’ Boryana Katsarova
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DE .
. TERIO . . RATION . 101
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The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved Mother Theresa 102
‘‘
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Disengagement theory – Elaine Cumming and Warren Earl Henry (1961) ‘’Growing Old.”
A
geing is an inevitable mutual withdrawal and disengagement resulting in decreased interaction between the ageing person and others in the social structure. The elderly’s ability to engage with others deteriorate over time. They lose their place in society and the roles they previously held.29 107
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Activity theory – Aleksei Leontiev (1978) “Activity.’’
A
ctivity and stable roles in society are crucial for the ageing person’s wellbeing and life satisfaction. Active social interaction eases the ageing person’s acceptance of retirement and overall sense of wellbeing30. 110
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he consequences of isolation and seclusion in the ageing population are severe. Research has linked social isolation in the elderly with an increased risk for a variety of physical and mental illnesses including a weakened immune system, heart diseases, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, dementia and even death31. 111
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When does the loneliness of old age begin
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Janusz Korczak
‘‘
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P4
| Design Implications Principle 4: Social Integration
T
he reintegration of elders in society is subjectively the most important goal of this study. Fighting against the isolation and neglection of the ageing citizens is a role that architecture can fulfil through careful planning and focus on connectivity to the rest of society. To do so, it is important to consider integrating the facility into the urban context to maintain a connection to the broader community. As simply providing views of the city from within the centre can at the very least, maintain a visual connection.
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Furthermore, according to research, the following elements encourage intergeneration engagement which would facilitate the reintegration of the elders into society28: • • •
Central and urban location in direct proximity and connection to the community Creating a hub of activities suitable for different ages Promoting the facility as a place to volunteer and visit
Moreover, creating opportunities for social interaction is often overlooked in the design of an elderly centre. It is, however, one of the most critical design decisions when targeting the social acclimatisation of an often-secluded group of elders. Adjusting to new environments can sometimes be daunting and further emphasises the negative connotation of an elderly home. For that reason, planning for ‘’peripheral’’ spaces that are still visually connected to the main common rooms can be strategic in encouraging socialisation while maintaining individual privacy and choice.
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Active ageing is a concept that suggests continued activity for the ageing person to improve wellbeing and prolong engagement with society. This can be achieved by implementing activities in the centre that encourage participation.
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Problem Statement: Innovation of a new typology
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4.0 Case Studies 5.0 Relevant Architrecture
Home and the familiar | Lessons from Montemurlo
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C1
Case Study One — Retirement Home
Montemurlo Aged Care Facility. Architects: ipostudio architectti Location: Montemurlo, Prato, Italy Type: Elderly Center and housing Status: Built Area: 3,660 sqm Client: Azienda Sanitaria Locale Year: 2008-2011 Budget: 5,073,000 â‚Ź
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Project Brief
A
top the dry hills of Montemurlo, above the medieval town of Prato. This aged care facility merges into the characteristic landscape of the region. It seamlessly blends into its context and is intrinsically connected to its history and culture. It is a study in the contrast of open and closed environments which are most critical in an elderly care facility. It introduces the concept of Heterotapia, described as a space that is ‘’other’’. By nature, a heterotapian environment is an intense contradictory space that brings together two opposing factors. The facility is simultaneously open and closed, private and public, inviting yet protected.
From the Architects
‘‘F
or the design of residential care facilities, the monastic analogy becomes extremely interesting and useful. The convent… is constituted as a city block, identified as an articulated and complex structure of spaces where the placement of private place is inversely proportional to the degree of accessibility. In the monastic structure it is also possible to identify three spatial systems that are useful when considering the organization of an Assisted Living typology: the public space represented by the church and the cloister, collective but also private space constituted by the refectory as well as the aula magna and the private spaces of the cells. However, there is another fascinating aspect of monastic typologies that might be interesting for the purposes of analogy; the wealth and the articulation of the outdoor spaces that are distinguished depending on their location in the spaces. All this can be a valid interpretation of a clearly expressed general concept which says that taken together, the solutions must configure a living organism of residence-scale where, in addition to domestic spaces, there are areas dedicated to social relations28.
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Context & Location
L
ocated in a rural historical area, this facility’s contextual location dramatically influenced its design. The architecture is reminiscent of the Tuscan style, in its materials, composition and treatment of topography. The curved profile of the prominent stone wall emphasizes the topographic contours of the land. Furthermore, its location atop a hill is reminiscent of an ancient fortress, as a barrier between the open valley and the city, it is protective of its inhabitants; which happen to be vulnerable elderly persons. The facility is organized in a radial grid that follows the topographic lines of the land, overlooking the valley.
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Rural house in Tuscany
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Villa Medici di Belcanto
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Concept
T
wo archetypes inspired the design of this aged care facility. First, as mentioned by the architects, the idea of a monastery, and secondly a Tuscan farmyard. Both archetypes are contextually relevant to the location in which it is built, in proximity of an Italian medieval town. Together, they influence the concept of the facility in the architectural expression as well as the functional organization of spaces. The complex is divided into free-standing pavilions organized around a sort of rural piazza giving access to the facilities open to the visitors such as the day care centre and the social functions representing the collective life such as the offices, the kitchens and places of worship.
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Key Element
T
he element that sets this facility apart from its predecessors is its study of the sense of space and the act of homemaking. In fact, designing an elderly care facility evokes the challenge of adapting the elderly to their new surroundings. Ipostudio Architectti’s approach is to define three different modes of experience within an aged care centre:
. . .
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The physical home: is defined by the familiarity of materials, design and layout. ‘’The space that can be measured and is shaped by function, culture and history’’. The personal home: is defined by the freedom of self-expression, identity and personal control over the immediate environment. It encompasses feelings of security and belonging. The social home: is defined as the possibility of forming and maintaining meaningful relationships with community members, neighbours and relatives.
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Design Strategy
E
xpression of the physical home
The rural piazza on the rooftop that provides access to the facilities below is one of the main design strategies that the architects use to provide a sense of the physical home. The expression of the cultural aspect of the narrow streets connecting these different functions reflects the traditional Italian village layout. Here, the importance of the exterior space aspect is highlighted since residents are encouraged to walk in the open air on the rooftop and experience the outdoors in order to promote active and successful ageing.
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Each room has a unique view of the valley through the varying openings in the stone facade.
Design Strategy
P
ublic and Private duality
The stone faรงade is designed in with an alternation of solid and void. This allows the residential units of the centre visual access to the valley. It is a double-skin system composed of an inner glass-wall which allows for open visual connection to the surrounding landscape, and an outer masonry layer separated by 1.8m. The latter is made up of extracted stones from a nearby quarry. As mentioned earlier, this wall represents the fortress aspect of the complex as it creates a transition between the private and public as well as a buffer between the interior and exterior realm. The stone wall also acts as a shading device and light reflector, and the resulting space between the double faรงade acts as a circulation path for residents to experience this contradicting duality. The resulting effect is a discreet connection with exterior life, making the residents feel simultaneously connected and protected.
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Materials
T
he use of materiality is another design strategy to evoke the feeling of a physical home and provide a comfortable, familiar environment. The stone faรงade of the main building is reminiscent of the dry-stone walls of the region as well as the typical Tuscan architecture style. This material choice, although contemporary in its application, is significant because it serves a reminder to the residents of their own homes and provides a comfortable sense of place and familiarity.
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Circulation & Spatial Organization
T
he social and personal home
To tackle the challenge of loss of social interaction in the elderly, the spatial organization is a critical factor that creates opportunities for the expression of the social home. In Montemurlo, the piazza plays a big role in creating social areas for the elderly to interact. This is reinforced through the visual connection to the outside environment. In addition to that, members from the wider community are encouraged to visit the complex through the provision of activities of interest such as a daycare centre and a place of worship. However, the requirements of an elderly care facility impose the importance to balance the desire to connect to the outside with the need for privacy and security. For that reason, the centre is designed in a way to give the option to the resident to interact with others or to withdraw into a more private space. This supports the elderly’s control of their immediate environment which reinforces the security and familiarity of a personal home. Ipostudio’s approach is a layered organization of three distinct but connected social structures. The bedrooms represent the most private space that offers, when desired, a level of solitude and seclusion. The residential units are scaled-down, forming small clusters that provide their own semi-private social space that is shared only by the occupants of that cluster. This provides smaller “private niches’’ that allow the elderly control of the level of interaction they desire to have. The most public space is located in level 1, in the form of a multipurpose event space that combines the in-house residents with the visitors of the daycare centre.
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Program Zone
Spaces
Services
Entrance & Lobby Administration Storage Heating Plant Morgue
Recreation
Multipurpose Room Communal Room TV Room Outdoor Terraces
Utility
Place of Worship Living & Dinning Room Assisted Bathroom Hairdresser Day Care
Residential
Bedrooms
Circulation
Horizontal Vertial
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Communal Spacial Diversity | Lessons from Graz
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C2
Case Study Two — Assisted Living
Steinfeld Centre for Seniors. Architects: Dietger Wissounig Location: Graz, Austria Type: Library / Nursing Home Status: Built Area: sqm Client: Sozialhilfeverband Spittal Year: 2003-2005 Budget: 4,150,000 â‚Ź
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Project Brief
I
ntentionally situated adjacent to the Steinfeld local school and park, this nursing home plays a role in the communal structure of the city. It is considered a public building regularly accessed by the members of the community for its functions. The seemingly monolithic structure from the exterior is a contrast to the open interior organization with a strong visual connection between the different spaces. It is designed to fit its context and benefit from the serene landscape in which it is inserted, both visually and functionally. The striking aspect of this centre is the visual connection it creates through several design choices to provide opportunities for social interactions.
From the Critics
‘‘T
he scenic beauty of the Drautal defines the degree to which the retirement home is opened to its surroundings. The openness of the interior is an astonishing characteristic of the building. Wissounig breaks with the exterior appearance of a moulded, elongated building by cutting it lengthwise with two axes. The result is that the internal volume – the core – is visible as a multistorey atrium. Apart from the bridges connecting the levels of the first and second floor from the east to west and floor-to-ceiling plants the atrium has no fixtures. It connects all levels visually.’’
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Context & Location
T
he centre is located to the west of the small district of Steinfeld in Carinthia, Austria. The many openings in the faรงade offer a view of the Latschur, the home mountain of the region. A national roadway bypasses the site on the west which influenced the spatial arrangement of the functions. In fact, the services of the building are all grouped on the West faรงade of the building to act as a buffer zone. Whereas the dwellings and the recreational facilities are all places on the other orientations that provide a quiet and serene environment in dialogue with the landscape of the region. The choice of materials is also influenced by the context, with the use of a timber-frame construction that is familiar to the rural region.
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Concept
T
he functions of this centre differentiate it from other nursery homes. It is designed not only with the elderly in mind, but also visitors from nearby buildings. In fact, its proximity to the local school and park means that the functions of the building also serve a younger generation as well as an old one. Many public facilities are located on the ground floor; notably a dining hall, an event hall, a library and a chapel. These spaces are an opportunity for a meeting point between generations and members of the community. Children visit the centre for lunch in the dining hall; students, adults, children and residents alike have access to the library and the chapel hosts a weekly service by the local church.
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Design Strategy
W
hile the ground floor hosts the public functions, the first and second floors accommodate the dwellings as well as the care facilities for the elderly. Planned radially around a central corridor are 42 single and double rooms designed following the barrier-free concept. The openings on the faรงade allow for a visual communication to the peaceful landscape surrounding the building while the internal atrium provides a visual connection between all three floors as well as a winter garden. Additionally, large recreational areas are positioned between the private spaces to enhance the environmental quality as well as provide another degree of social interaction on the upper floors.
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Materials
T
he concrete base of the offset ground floor contrasts the two-storey timber framework construction. Laminated timber columns and pre-fabricated timber-framed walling, with services pre-installed, transfer the loads to the structural concrete slab. The faรงade is clad with vertical Larchwood panelling. Deep loggias, which occasionally wrap around the corner, and individually adjustable timber shutters animate the image of the building17.
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Circulation & Spatial Organization
T
he internal atrium acts as both a communal conservatory and a central access zone with a system of walkways that are all visually interconnected. It has a pleasant, identity-forming effect and offers natural light to the public areas situated on the ground floor as well as the social areas of the upper levels. The separation of the private dwellings from the public functions is a design choice that enables the elderly residents their own privacy and their own communal spaces. The result is a hierarchy of social spaces on each the different levels that allow the elderly control of the degree of social interaction.
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匀琀攀椀渀昀攀氀搀㨀 䜀爀漀甀渀搀 䘀氀漀漀爀 倀氀愀渀
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⸀ 䔀渀琀爀愀渀挀攀 ㈀⸀ 䘀漀礀攀爀 ㌀⸀ 䐀椀渀渀椀渀最 愀渀搀 攀瘀攀渀琀 栀愀氀氀 㐀⸀ 䬀椀琀挀栀攀渀 㔀⸀ 䌀栀愀瀀攀氀 㘀⸀䰀椀戀爀愀爀礀 㜀⸀䄀搀洀椀渀椀猀琀爀愀琀椀漀渀 㠀⸀ 䄀琀爀椀甀洀 愀渀搀 挀漀渀猀攀爀瘀愀琀漀爀礀
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Program Zone
Spaces
Services
Entrance & Lobby Administration Storage Foyer Carer’s Station Carer’s Bathroom
Recreation
Library Communal Room Recreational Room Outdoor Terraces
Utility
Dinning & Event Hall Kitchen Place of Worship Atrium & Conservatory
Residential
Single Room Double Room
Circulation
Horizontal Vertial
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匀琀攀椀渀昀攀氀搀㨀 䰀攀瘀攀氀 倀氀愀渀
匀琀攀椀渀昀攀氀搀㨀 䰀攀瘀攀氀 ㈀ 倀氀愀渀
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Program 倀氀愀渀 䬀攀礀 㤀⸀ 䌀愀爀攀爀ᤠ猀 猀琀愀琀椀漀渀 ⸀ 䌀愀爀攀爀ᤠ猀 戀愀琀栀爀漀漀洀 ⸀ 刀攀挀爀攀愀琀椀漀渀愀氀 愀爀攀愀 ㈀⸀ 匀椀渀最氀攀 爀漀漀洀 ㌀⸀ 䐀漀甀戀氀攀 爀漀漀洀
Zone
Spaces
Services
Entrance & Lobby Administration Storage Foyer Carer’s Station Carer’s Bathroom
Recreation
Library Communal Room Recreational Room Outdoor Terraces
Utility
Dinning & Event Hall Kitchen Place of Worship Atrium & Conservatory
倀氀愀渀 䬀攀礀 㤀⸀ 䌀愀爀攀爀ᤠ猀 猀琀愀琀椀漀渀 ⸀ 䌀愀爀攀爀ᤠ猀 戀愀琀栀爀漀漀洀 ⸀ 刀攀挀爀攀愀琀椀漀渀愀氀 愀爀攀愀 ㈀⸀ 匀椀渀最氀攀 爀漀漀洀 ㌀⸀ 䐀漀甀戀氀攀 爀漀漀洀
Residential
Single Room Double Room
Circulation
Horizontal Vertial
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An Intergenerational Dialogue | Lessons from Venarey-Les Laumes
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Case Study Three — Intergenerational
Vernay-Les Laumes Intergenerational Centre Architects: Dominique Coulon & Associés Location: Venarey-Les Laumes, France Type: Inter-Generational / Day Nursery Status: Built Area: 1,646 sqm Client: Ville de Venarey-Les Laumes Year: 2012-2015 Budget: 3,600,000 €
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Project Brief
s
et in the rural French countryside, this centre explores the intergenerational concept. The complex was the subject of a competition held by the city Venarey-Les Laumes, to design a complex containing a number of different initiatives, including a tourist office, a conference and cultural hall, a day nursery and areas specifically for the elderly. These very distinctive functions are brought together in a single dynamic unit in the design of Dominique Coulon. The resulting design is a structure that brings together people of all ages in a compact two-story volume.
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Context & Location
S
ituated directly across the railway line in rural France, the building is integrated into its context in terms of architectural expression and functional organization. The angular folds of the building represent the high-speed passenger trains that pass by. In fact, a visual connection to the railway line was given significant importance in the design. The ground floor was designed to be visually transparent and allow maximum views to the local landscape.
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The Railway line
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The more public spaces are widely opened over the forecourt
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Concept
T
he merging together of different generations is reflected in the merging of distinct functions. The aim of this centre is to create a space that joins the young, the middle-aged and the elderly all whilst preserving each age group’s privacy and security. The nursery holds the youngest of the age groups, the middle-aged are attracted to the cultural centre and auditorium whilst the elderly have their own dedicated space. All brought together in the transparent ground floor level.
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‘’For the elderly residents, the kids are a jolt back to the world of the living—and for the children, the experience is a bittersweet lesson on ageing.’’
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Design Strategy
T
he different functions make up the volume of the building. The architects identified the two age-groups that are more compatible and grouped their functions: the nursery and the elderly spaces. The theatre hall is more spatially demanding so it has its own separate volume. The envelope of the building wraps protectively around the two volumes and creates a unified dynamic structure. The ground floor’s transparent quality gives the illusion of a floating upper level on a reflective plinth. The angled cantilevers, inspired by the context of the railway line, accentuate the dissociation of the various folds. Each fold produces a face which captures the low-angled light produced by the orientation of the building.
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Key Element
T
he bright yellow courtyard is a design strategy that addresses the safety concerns of the vulnerable occupants of the building. The highlighted blue volume represents the intergenerational spaces: on the bottom the elderly spaces and on the top of the nursery. Both age groups are vulnerable to sound pollution from the surrounding railway line. The courtyard serves the purpose of a protecting envelope that wraps around the intergenerational volume, while still maintaining a small amount of visual connection through the wall’s perforations. The bright yellow colour is a play on the visual senses of both the elderly and the children.
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The day nursery it’s a placed at the first floor in a intimate and protected space like a cocoon 174
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Materials
T
he visual connection to the railway line is maintained through a series of perforations on the façade. The latter is made up of an opaque skin that is divided into triangular portions, some are shiny and others are matte. This serves to break down the bulky structure of each function’s volume. The composition of the perforations in the façade are directly influenced by the context; the lines generating the openings are drawn from the railway lines. The result is a strong expression of contextual identity.
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Circulation & Spatial Organization
T
he circulation between the different functions is done through a fluid spatial organization. The two volumes are connected on the ground floor through two separate paths. The vertical circulation is situated centrally, to access the nursery from the theater hall or the multigenerational area. While the main nursery spaces are located separated on the first floor, the outdoor area of the courtyard is located in proximity to the elderly spaces. The courtyard is then considered as a mutual space of meeting between the two age-groups.
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Program Zone
Spaces
Services
Entrance & Lobby Administration Tourist Office Kitchen Heating Techincal Room Nursery Assistant Room
Recreation
Elderly Activity Room Intergenerational Room Patio Outdoor Terraces
Utility
Artist Dressing Room Day Nursery Opening over Lobby Opening over Performance Hall
Circulation
Horizontal Vertial
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05
| RELEVANT ARCHITECTURE
5.1 Conceptual Ideas
T
he purpose of this chapter is to examine precedent works relating in some ways to the topic of elderly, accessibility and active living. The projects range from museums to experimental architecture. Each project contains elements that are characteristically interesting and can be useful in the conceptual stage of the project. 183
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ARoS - Arhus Art Museum / Schmidt Hammer Lassen Arhus, Denmark schmidt hammer lassen 2004 17,700 sqm
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All ten floors of the museum are barrier-free. As a public building, it is required to be accessible to those of limited mobility, but the designers have cleverly exploited this, using the central access road to connect the museum to its urban surroundings at the pedestrian level and also creating a sheltered public space. From here, the wide ramps lead to the individual exhibition levels.
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Learning and Training Center / Diezinger & Kramer Ingolstadt, Germany Diezinger & Kramer 2006 5,400 sqm
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Lebenshilfe Ingolstadt is an organization that operates workshops and holistic training programs for people with disabilities and elderly people. Colour plays an important part of the design, using warm reds to create a feeling of wellbeing, among users of the centre. The classrooms, which can be rented by outside individuals and groups, recieve plenty of natural light from full-height windows overlooking the courtyard.
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San Antoni Joan Oliver Library / RCR Arquitectes Barcelona, Spain RCR Arquitectes 2007 4,171 sqm
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This is a project that explores the extreme urbanization of senior living. It is a mixed-use project that is composed of a library, a retirement home and an outdoor playground area for children. The composition of the building targets to create social cohesion between the different generations that will occupy it. It is meant to create a sense of protection and serenity in the duality of childhood and old-age in the middle of the city.
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De Plussenburgh / Arons en Gelauff Architecte Rotterdam, Netherlands Arons en Gelauff Architecte 2006 15,678 sqm
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The design for seniors aged 55 and older was inspired by the forthcoming retirement of the hippie generation. The project embraces its target market’s denial of aging by proposing a playful, coloured apartment block. It is connected to an existing nurses’ residence, capable of providing medical or care personnel. The storey-high glazed facades are emphasized by vibrant coloured coatings which range through 200 shades of color.
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Reversible Destiny Lofts / Madeline Gins and Shusaku Arakawa
Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan Madeline Gins and Shusaku Arakawa 2005 6,300 sqm
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The architects founded Reversible Destiny, a foundation established with the goal of extending the human lifespan via architectural design. Each reversible destiny loft has structured into it the capacity to help residents live long and ample lives. The lofts have spherical rooms, undulating concrete floors riddled with bumps, and candy-coloured walls. They resemble a children’s playground inside and out.
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Problem Statement: Appropriate Site Selection
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6.0 Site Selection 6.1 Context Analysis
06
| CONTEXT 6.1. Site Selection
Dubai is the chosen city for the purpose of this project as it is one of the most important metropolises of the Middle East. It is also a city that has previously been a host of innovative infrastructures and a place that welcomes changes and design modernization. The site selection is based on identifying major residential neighbourhoods that house the largest amount of elderly population in the UAE. Part of the criteria is key urban locations in proximity to residential neighbourhoods as well as educational institutions to allow for intergenerational exchanges.
Urban
Suburban
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207
6.1. Site Selection Nominated Sites | Narrowing Down
The neighbourhoods are narrowed down to Al Barsha North, Al Safa and Al Wasl. The suburban neighbourhoods are removed from the selection for the lack of urban characteristics and connectivity to the heart of the city. The remaining neighbourhoods are relatively centrally located and are analyzed according to specific criteria to further narrow down the site with the most potential. All three neighbourhoods are directly located on the main highway of the city Sheikh Zayed Road (E11). This facilitates access to the site namely through public transportation in the form of metro stations present on the highway.
Al Barsha North | Neighborhoud Area: 11.3 km²
Al Safa | Neighborhoud Area: 6 km²
Al Wasl | Neighborhoud Area: 4 km²
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209
6.1. Site Selection Nominated Sites | Urban Context
Most of Dubai’s residential neighbourhoods are adequately planned with the necessary services that the residents would require. Among those services are educational institutions like schools, nurseries and university. In relation to this project, the proximity to such institutions is crucial. The selected neighbourhoods all have particular land areas that are dedicated to educational use as highlighted by the maps. This will facilitate the planned intergenerational exchange.
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211
Criteria
6.1. Site Selection Nominated Sites | Descriptions & Criteria
Al Wasl is one of the most urban neighborhoods in Dubai. Home to City Walk, it is a modern residential neighborhood that has been recently developed. The site is located at the heart of City Walk, next to the CocaCola Arena.
Proximity to Public Transport
2
Road Access
3
Urban Relevance
3
Pedestrian Friendly
2
Proximity to Residential zones
2
Proximity to Schools
3
Proximity to Social Attractions
3
Proximity to Public Parking
1
Proximity to Parks
3
Tranquility Level
1
Architecture Potential
3
Total Criteria
Al Safa is adjacent to Al Wasl and Jumeirah. Home to Safa Park, it is one of the more tranquil areas of Dubai and the newly constructed Dubai Water Canal cuts through it. The site is the construction and land development for the Water Canal and is opposite to Safa Park.
Selected Site
Al Safa
2
Road Access
2
Urban Relevance
2
Pedestrian Friendly
3
Proximity to Residential zones
3
Proximity to Schools
3
Proximity to Social Attractions
3
Proximity to Public Parking
3
Proximity to Parks
3
Tranquility Level
2
Architecture Potential
3
Criteria
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26
Proximity to Public Transport
Total
Al Barsha North is very centrally located and is in close proximity to Mall of the Emirates, one of the main attractions of the city. One of the popular neighborhouds for Emirati citizens. It is bordering between suburban and urban location. The site is located next to Al Mawakeb school opposite Al Barsha Pond Park.
Al Wasl
29 Barsha
Proximity to Public Transport
1
Road Access
2
Urban Relevance
2
Pedestrian Friendly
2
Proximity to Residential zones
3
Proximity to Schools
3
Proximity to Social Attractions
3
Proximity to Public Parking
1
Proximity to Parks
2
Tranquility Level
2
Architecture Potential
1
Total
22
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6.2. Context Analysis Site Conditions | Understanding the site
Understanding the historical aspect of the site as well as its strategic location
Site Location
The selected site is situated centrally in the urban Al Safa neighbourhood. It is at a corner surrounded by Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), the Dubai Water Canal and Safa Park. Water and Greenery are the epitome of tranquil spaces. The proximity to both these aspects thus fulfils the heterotopic objective of being both urban and tranquil. The surrounding area of the site is incredibly dense on the south-east side of Sheikh Zayed Road, however, the northwest is a break in the social fabric with the mid-low rise buildings and the tranquil area of the water canal. This is another contrast that the site is placed in the center of.
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215
6.2. Context Analysis Site Conditions | Understanding the site
Understanding the historical aspect of the site as well as its strategic location
Historical Background
The Dubai Water Canal is one of Dubai’s newest urban transformations developed in 2014. It is 3.2km long with a range of 80-120m in width. It cuts through Dubai’s main artery, the Sheikh Zayed Road, across Safa Park and into the residential Jumeirah district, connecting with the Arabian Gulf. The intersection between the Safa Park, Sheikh Zayed Road and the Water Canal forms the footprint of the site. It is thus a consequence of a major urban project of the city in a very strategic location.
Safa Park before Canal Development | 2014
216
Part of Safa Park Demolished | 2018
Resulting Site at the intersection | 2019
217
6.2. Context Analysis Site Conditions | Site Access & Circulation
Understanding the access to the site via vehicular routes as well as public transportation and pedestrian routes... Vehicular Routes & Parking
The access to the site by car is one main characteristic to consider when studying the site’s conditions. The site is bordered by Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) from the South-East side, however, it is not accessible from the highway. The highway is elevated on a bridge at the intersection point with the Dubai Water Canal. Currently, the only road access to the site is through secondary service roads which is a positive aspect when considering safety and site control. In addition, RTA parking is widely accessible in the immediate surrounding area to the site as well as wide parking lots in direct proximity.
Destination
218
Parking Availibity
Road Access
The north is always up
Scale 1:8000
219
6.2. Context Analysis Site Conditions | Site Access & Circulation
Understanding the access to the site via vehicular routes as well as public transportation and pedestrian routes... Pedestrian Flow and Public Transport
In terms of other modes of transportation, the site is uniquely surrounded by public transport routes. Business Bay is the nearest metro station, requiring a 10min walk to reach the site. Several bus stops are also in close proximity, the nearest one is 450m away. Additionally, it is also possible to access the site through water by boarding the Dubai Water Taxi, as the nearest station is only 100m away. Translating this into a pedestrian flow heat map, the boardwalk is the primary route that pedestrians take with a particular concentration near the pedestrian footbridge, the water taxi station and the elevator to SZR.
220
750m | 10min
Business Bay Metro Station
450m | 6min
Gulf News 1 Bus Stop
100m | 1min
SZR Marine Transport Station
221
6.2. Context Analysis Site Conditions | Site Characteristics
Understanding the site’s characteristics and geographical patterns including sun and wind analysis, figure ground, temperatures and sound map... Zoning & Figure/ Ground Relationship
The study of the urban fabric of the site is quite unique as South-West of the E11, the density of the buildings is majorly higher than the North-East, however with smaller building footprints. Nonetheless, the voids outweigh the masses overall with several empty lands on the North-East. However, there is a planned development project on the North-West that should increase the density in the urban fabric on that side of the map.
Mass 222
Void
223
6.2. Context Analysis Site Conditions | Site Characteristics
Understanding the site’s characteristics and geographical patterns including sun and wind analysis, figure ground, temperatures and sound map... Wind Direction and Sound Map
The site’s wind direction is majorly coming from the NorthWest with a ratio of 18.1% of the year. It is also important to note that air currents in Dubai are almost insignificant particu-larly in an urban area with a decreased likelihood of sandstorms. In terms of noise pollution, the sound map indicates that the South-West area which borders the SZR is the noisiest due to traffic, particularly at night. This should be addressed in the design and mapping of the project’s spaces. However, all other sides of the site are quiet and tranquil.
Wind Direction Diagram | Dubai Average
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225
6.2. Context Analysis Site Conditions | Site Characteristics
Understanding the site’s characteristics and geographical patterns including sun and wind analysis, figure ground, temperatures and sound map... Sun Analysis Summer Solstice | 21 June In the Summer Solstice with a high sun position, the site does not receive any shadows from its surrounding buildings. This means that the site is primarily exposed to the sun rays in the hottest months of the year; making the boardwalk difficult to access due to high temperatures averaging around 42°C with high humidity levels.
42°C
Summer Solstice | 21 June
226
Average Temperatures | Summer months
Shadows at 9.00 A.M.
Shadows at 3.00 P.M.
Shadows at 5.00 P.M.
227
6.2. Context Analysis Site Conditions | Site Characteristics
Understanding the site’s characteristics and geographical patterns including sun and wind analysis, figure ground, temperatures and sound map... Sun Analysis Winter Solstice | 22 December In the Winter Solstice with a lower sun position, the site recieves some shadows from the surrounding high rises on the opposite side of the E11 during the monring. The rest of the day, the site recieves limited to no shadows from the surrounding buildings. As for the temperatures, Janurary is the coldest month with an average of 24°C.
24°C
Winter Solstice | 22 June
228
Average Temperatures | Winter months
Shadows at 9.00 A.M.
Shadows at 3.00 P.M.
Shadows at 5.00 P.M.
229
6.2. Context Analysis Site Conditions | Site Surroundings Understanding the site’s immediate surroundings to better analyse its footprint on the urban fabric, that includes program investigation, landmarks, surface and materials around the site, architecture styles, building heights and site views. Vegetation & Materials around the Site
In terms of site surroundings, the site is in relative proximity to some green areas. Notably, some of these areas are part of school playgrounds which are numerous around the site. The other major green space is Safa Park which is directly opposite the site. As for other materials and surfaces around the site:
Wood surfaces from the boardwalk’s benches
Beige colored stucco from the residential villas Steel sheets from the Water Taxi station Sidewalk pattern grey and beige
Steel pattern from the fountain
White concrete from the bridge’s columns
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231
6.2. Context Analysis Site Conditions | Site Surroundings Understanding the site’s immediate surroundings to better analyse its footprint on the urban fabric, that includes program investigation, landmarks, surface and materials around the site, architecture styles, building heights and site views. Program Investigation
One of the most important criteria for the site selection was proximity to education zones like schools and nurseries. Thus it is one of the major lands uses in the surrounding area along with residentials. Other land uses include mixed-use infrastructure as well as general utility buildings that service the neighbourhood.
232
Residential
Education
Utilities
Mixed-Use
233
6.2. Context Analysis Site Conditions | Site Surroundings Understanding the site’s immediate surroundings to better analyse its footprint on the urban fabric, that includes program investigation, landmarks, surface and materials around the site, architecture styles, building heights and site views. Landmarks Within 1 km radius
Safa Park
800m | 12 min
Dubai Water Canal
100m | 1 min
Water Canal Footbridges
500m | 6 min
Within 3 km radius
Burj Khalifa
3.0 km | 9 min
Dubai Mall
2.8 km | 10 min
Jumeirah Archealogical Site
2.7 km | 7 min
Within 7 km radius
Kite Beach
6.0 km | 13 min
Al Serkal Avenue
6.9 km | 9 min
Dubai Design District
6.7 km | 15 min
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235
6.2. Context Analysis Site Conditions | Site Surroundings Understanding the site’s immediate surroundings to better analyse its footprint on the urban fabric, that includes program investigation, landmarks, surface and materials around the site, architecture styles, building heights and site views. Building Heights & Architectural Style
The building heights vary around the site due to the presence of high rise buildings on SZR as well as mid to low-rise buildings in the immediate surroundings. The architectural style also varies from vernacular architecture style villas in the residential district to international and postmodern in the skyline of the high rises on the E11.
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237
6.2. Context Analysis Site Conditions | Site Surroundings Understanding the site’s immediate surroundings to better analyse its footprint on the urban fabric, that includes program investigation, landmarks, surface and materials around the site, architecture styles, building heights and site views. Water Canal Footbridges
Three pedestrian footbridges were commissioned with the construction of the Dubai Water Canal. All developed and designed by the same steel manufacturing company Maeg. Each one has a particular architectural style that is distinctive from the other.
238
Water Canal Footbridge #1
The design of this footbridge was inspired by the Arab nomadic culture of trade and fishing history, recalling the structures of the tents used by the Bedouins in the Y-shaped pillars and suspension cables of the footbridge
Water Canal Footbridge #2 | Tolerance Bridge
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE renamed the project “Bridge of Tolerance� symbolizing the connection between the 200 cultures and nationalities.
Water Canal Footbridge #3
It is a parallelepiped twisting of 180 degrees, wrapping around the internal walkway and offering a dynamic movement and allowing, when passing through, an open view towards the city skyline.
239
6.2. Context Analysis Site Conditions | Site Surroundings Understanding the site’s immediate surroundings to better analyse its footprint on the urban fabric, that includes program investigation, landmarks, surface and materials around the site, architecture styles, building heights and site views. Views from and to the Site
240
Below is an overall image indicating the view to the site from the elevated SZR sidewalk. Highlighted are the assumed limits of the plot. The camera is then positioned in a full circle to capture all the surrounding views from the site.
241
242
243
244
245
Problem Statement: Applicable program merging three typologies
246
7.1. Case Studies Program 7.2. Derived Program
Zone
Area (sqm) N. Spaces
Steinfeld Center for Seniors
Total (sqm)
Area (sqm)
N. Spaces
Total (sqm)
35
20
700
20
34
680
Double Room
45
7
315
30
8
240
220
2
420
90
4
360
Kitchen
45
1
45
60
1
60
Prayer Room
68
1
68
55
1
55
Carer’s Station
25
1
25
22
2
44
Carer’s Lounge
20
1
20
15
2
30
Carer’s bathroom
8
1
8
10
2
20
Pantry
10
1
10
12
1
12
Storage
25
4
100
8
3
24
Dinning Hall
100
2
200
150
1
150
Majlis
-
-
-
-
-
-
Prayer Room
-
-
-
-
-
-
Gym/Therapy
45
1
45
-
-
-
Event Space
150
1
150
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Lobby
30
1
30
45
1
45
Bathroom
15
2
30
8
2
16
Pantry
-
-
-
-
-
-
Storage
-
-
-
-
-
-
Day Nursery
-
-
-
-
-
-
Library
-
-
-
100
1
100
Classrooms
-
-
-
-
-
-
Workshops
-
-
-
-
-
-
Cafeteria
-
-
-
-
-
-
Exhibition Space
1
60
60
-
-
-
Swimming Facility
-
-
-
-
-
-
Gym
-
-
-
-
-
-
Kitchen
-
-
-
-
-
-
Pantry
-
-
-
-
-
-
Storages
-
-
-
-
-
-
Bathrooms
-
-
-
-
-
-
Administration
15
3
45
10
2
20
Laundry
30
1
30
60
1
60
Bathrooms
-
-
-
-
-
-
Salon/Barber
15
1
15
-
-
-
Pharmacy
13
1
13
-
-
-
Technical Rooms
30
3
90
25
2
50
Circulation (25%)
-
690
3,660
-
720
3,658
Communal
Amenities
Communal Personal
Single Room
Social
Common Room
Amenities
Communal Kitchen
Education
Adult Day Care
Shared
Amenities
Intergenerational Services
Montemurlo Aged Care Facility
Sports
Sector Asisted Living
Sense Of Home
7.1. Case Studies
| PROGRAM
07 Social Ageing Active Ageing
Total
Case Studies
Space
Zone
Case Studies
Proposed Project
Vernay-Les Laumes Intergenerational Centre
Combined Three Typologies
Total (sqm)
Area (sqm)
N. Spaces
Total (sqm)
-
-
-
30
30
900
Double Room
-
-
-
45
10
450
Common Room
-
-
-
150
2
300
Kitchen
-
-
-
55
1
55
Prayer Room
-
-
-
40
2
80
Carer’s Station
-
-
-
25
2
50
Carer’s Lounge
-
-
-
25
1
25
Carer’s bathroom
-
-
-
5
2
10
Pantry
-
-
-
10
1
10
Storage
-
-
-
10
2
20
Dinning Hall
40
1
40
200
1
200
Majlis
60
1
60
150
2
300
Prayer Room
-
-
-
40
2
80
Gym/Therapy
-
-
-
100
2
200
400
1
400
200
1
200
Communal Kitchen
50
1
50
80
1
80
Lobby
40
1
40
100
1
100
Bathroom
15
2
30
25
2
50
Pantry
10
1
10
10
1
10
Storage
10
5
50
15
2
30
300
1
300
300
1
300
Library
-
-
-
300
1
300
Classrooms
-
-
-
50
5
250
Workshops
-
-
-
80
5
400
Cafeteria
80
1
80
400
1
400
Exhibition Space
-
-
-
250
1
250
Swimming Facility
-
-
-
500
1
500
Gym
-
-
-
350
1
350
Kitchen
-
-
-
110
1
110
Pantry
-
-
-
20
1
20
Storages
-
-
-
12
9
120
Bathrooms
-
-
-
30
4
120
Administration
25
1
25
25
5
125
Laundry
-
-
-
30
1
30
Bathrooms
-
-
-
20
2
40
Salon/Barber
-
-
-
50
2
100
Pharmacy
-
-
-
25
1
25
Technical Rooms
150
2
300
150
-
150
Circulation (25%)
-
322
1,646
6,740
1,400
8,140
Education
Amenities
Communal
Amenities
Communal Personal
Single Room
Social
Area (sqm) N. Spaces
Sports
Sector Asisted Living Adult Day Care
Sense Of Home Social Ageing
Amenities Shared
Active Ageing
Intergenerational Services
Total
Space
Event Space
Day Nursery
7.2. Derived Program
| PROGRAM
A. Combining Typologies The purpose of this project is to create a new typology of buildings that improves the quality of life of the elderly while confronting the social taboo of traditional elderly homes. For that, three of the main typologies are combined: Assisted Living, Adult Day Care and Intergenerational Living. The aim of the assisted living typology is to provide a sense of home for elders with no caretakers like those whose relatives cannot take care of them. The Adult Day Care is targeting those with a primary caretaker like relatives but requires a social environment for a healthier ageing process. While the intergenerational typology identifies bonds between the older and younger generation by placing the elders in a position of scholars and tutors of the younger generation as carriers of culture and wisdom by preforming active ageing.
250
251 F.141
7.2. Derived Program
| PROGRAM
B. Community Needs The main focus of the program is to provide quality spaces for elderly living and socializing needs for a better ageing process. However, the program also responds to the needs of the community. After the analysis of the context and the site, it is clear that it is mainly a residential neighbourhood that has little to no amenities in a prime location in Dubai. For that reason, the program offers spaces simultaneously for the elderly living in the area and surrounding, as well as the other age groups. The sports facility is accessible to all ages, located on the most public area of the building. The educational facility is a way to utilize the elderly’s knowledge and promote their active ageing by giving them purpose after their retirement. This is also targeted to the nearby schools to host workshops and educational trips to the facility to learn, acquire knowledge and skill.
252
253
7.2. Derived Program
| PROGRAM C.
254
Bar Diagram
255
7.2. Derived Program
| PROGRAM D. Bubble Diagram
256
257
Problem Statement: Conceptual solutions for an elderly facility
258
8.1. Wayfinding 8.2. Bridge 8.3. Curious 8.4 Axis
01 260
| CONCEPT 01 8.1. Wayfinding
261
Concept Sketch 01
Wayfinding is defined as the process of orienting one’s self in a physical space as well as planning and following a specific route. Strategies in wayfinding are especially effective in spaces dedicated to the elderly as disorientation is one of the primary complaints in elderly care facilities. Principles for effective wayfinding include: 1. 2. 3.
Using strong lines of sight with landmarks to provide orientation cues Create an identity at each location, different from all others Create regions of differing visual character
The concept follows these three principles by breaking down the building into three masses for the three different typologies of elderly care discussed in the program. Each mass has a defining visual character separate from the rest, and directed at a focal point identified on the site: SZR bridge, Safa Park and the Water Canal. The three masses also have 3 corresponding levels of privacy and their intersection are the common spaces.
263
02 264
| CONCEPT 02 8.2. Bridge
Nominated Concept
265
Concept Sketch 02 Connectivity is the primary solution to reverse the social deterioration of the elderly. The reintegration of elders into the community begins with a site in an urban context. The site in question is both strategically urban and tranquil to balance the needs of the older generation. Overlooking the water canal, the site has some conceptually interesting characteristics, notably the three pedestrian bridges crossing the canal. The concept is inspired by the idea of a bridge both physically and metaphorically. The intergenerational spaces included in the program are figuratively a bridge between the oldest and the youngest generations to encourage cross-generational communication. The bridge is also an extension of the promenade and a connection between the two sides of the Al Wasl area separated by the canal. The strong lines of Sheikh Zayed Road also inspire the linearity of the building.
266
267
03 268
| CONCEPT 03 8.3. Curious
269
Concept Sketch 03 Active Ageing is a concept that suggests a continued activity for the ageing person to improve wellbeing and mental engagement. Mental abilities that improve with age include teaching, advising and supervising. Tribal societies give their elders fulfilling lives by keeping them involved as mentors to the younger generations and make use of their valuable knowledge and ability. The following elements facilitate the reintegration of elders into society: 1. 2. 3.
Central and urban location in direct proximity to educational zones Creating a hub of activities suitable for different ages Promoting the facility as a place to volunteer and visit
The first criteria is already fulfilled by the site; the concept is a response to the second two. Encouraging the elderly to take mentorship roles with the younger generations can only be achieved with a building that attracts the youngest’s attention. This is achieved partially by the program, and partially by the form and spaces of the building. To provoke curiosity is the aim of this concept with extrusions and a playful circulation.
270
271
04 272
| CONCEPT 04 8.4. Axis
273
Concept Sketch 04
The aspect of accessibility is often overlooked or addressed to the minimum to follow regulatons. However, in elderly dedicated spaces, accessibility is a major issue. In fact, the muscular and skeletal system is compromised with ageing, affecting movement, balance, strength and control. Making circulation a challenge and often a health and security issue for the elderly. The concept aims to celebrate circulation by providing a fluid connection between the site’s three strong axes. Those are the x -- x axis represented by the connection promenade to building to promenade. The y -- y axis represented by the connection promenade to the building to water canal and the z -- z axis represented by the connection promenade to building to Sheikh Zayed Road bridge. That is achieved by connecting three masses together tilted in the x. y and z axis with an accessible roof that connects the promenade to all three axes.
274
275
The elderly have so much to offer. They’re our link with history. – John Cusack 276
‘‘
277
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List of Figures Figure 1: https://www.theguardian.com/global/2019/jun/23/how-to-live-forever- meet-the-extreme-life-extensionists-immortal-science#img-1 Figure 2: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lucas_Cranach_(I)_-_Jungb runnen_-_Gem%C3%A4ldegalerie_Berlin.jpg Figure 3: https://www.edition-originale.com/en/literature/first-and-precious- books/balzac-la-peau-de-chagrin-1838-41342 Figure 4: https://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large-5/portrait-of- honore-de-balzac-french-school.jpg Figure 5: https://img.culturacolectiva.com/content/2017/02/Solitude-Paintings- Friedrich-w636-h600.jpg?_ga=2.133757575.887202104.1570278823- 501194556.1570278823 Figure 6: https://img.culturacolectiva.com/content/2017/02/Solitude-Paintings- Picasso-w636-h600.jpg?_ga=2.230039189.887202104.1570278823- 501194556.1570278823 Figure 7: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/hicks-womans-mission-comfort- of-old-age-t14037 Figure 8: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-the-median-age-of-every- continent/ Figure 9: https://www.helpage.org/global-agewatch/population-ageing-data/pop ulation-ageing-map/ Figure 10: https://www.helpage.org/global-agewatch/population-ageing-data/pop ulation-ageing-map/ Figure 11: https://www.thenational.ae/uae/government/uae-cabinet-issues-new- policy-to-protect-senior-citizens-1.782751 Figure 12: https://www.thenational.ae/uae/don-t-forget-us-uae-s-elder-citizens- yearn-for-the-chance-to-remain-part-of-the-community-1.776051 Figure 13: https://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/changing-world-pulitzer-center- photography-exhibition Figure 14: http://asiasociety.org/files/calligraphy.jpg Figure 15: https://lushlight.tumblr.com/post/64559535355/thekimonogallery-japan- nakatsu-1965-henri Figure 16: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filial_piety#/media/File:The_Classic_ of_Filial_Piety.jpg Figure 17: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/katebubacz/old-school-photos- of-chinatown-like-youve-probably-never-see Figure 18: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/katebubacz/old-school-photos- of-chinatown-like-youve-probably-never-see Figure 19: https://unsplash.com/photos/GOhA-vkKzDg Figure 20: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d0/dd/2c/d0dd2c8bb30ef5281ebb4472f1c c71fa.jpg 280
Figure 21: https://thesector.com.au/2019/01/16/perths-first-structured-intergener ational-care-site-to-be-constructed-in-2019/ Figure 22: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qO2iyUQNeyc/U5iVtf-_mLI/AAAAAAAA0PE/ n9y_FKVQ j5Y/s1600/1629-30+A+Young+Scholar+and+his+Tutor+(worksh op+of+Rembrandt)+oil+on+canvas+102.9+x+88.3+cm++J.+Paul+Getty+Museu m,+Los+Angeles+CA.jpg Figure 23: http://www.discover-dubai.ae/general-info/2960/what-are-emirati- women-wearing Figure 24: https://www.thenational.ae/uae/don-t-forget-us-uae-s-elder-citizens- yearn-for-the-chance-to-remain-part-of-the-community-1.776051 Figure 25: https://www.thenational.ae/uae/don-t-forget-us-uae-s-elder-citizens- yearn-for-the-chance-to-remain-part-of-the-community-1.776051 Figure 26: https://www.thenational.ae/uae/don-t-forget-us-uae-s-elder-citizens- yearn-for-the-chance-to-remain-part-of-the-community-1.776051 Figure 27: https://unsplash.com/photos/GOhA-vkKzDg Figure 28: https://operachic.typepad.com/opera_chic/2013/07/no-country-for-old- men-michielettos-salzburg-falstaff-homage-to-milans-casa-verdi.html Figure 29: https://photographyunposed.wordpress.com/2012/03/12/assisted-living- and-a-pipe-smoking-lady/ Figure 30: https://www.thenational.ae/uae/don-t-forget-us-uae-s-elder-citizens- yearn-for-the-chance-to-remain-part-of-the-community-1.776051 Figure 31: https://www.dezeen.com/2016/12/09/pollard-thomas-edwards-architec ture-first-older-co-housing-scheme-owch-uk/ Figure 32: https://www.behance.net/gallery/16561961/FASCICULO-ARTAUD-edito rial Figure 33: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thesundayedition/tony-luciani-s-powerful- potraits-of-his-mother-elia-1.5077090 Figure 34: https://www.catersnews.com/stories/amazing/abstract-photo-series- gets-up-close-and-personal-with-the-bodies-of-those-who-have-lived- to-be-100/ Figure 35: https://mymodernmet.com/100-what-time-creates-anastasia-pottinger/ Figure 36: https://mymodernmet.com/100-what-time-creates-anastasia-pottinger/ Figure 37: https://mymodernmet.com/100-what-time-creates-anastasia-pottinger/ Figure 38: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 39: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 40: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 41: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 42: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 43: http://s3-origin-images.politico.com/2013/01/27/130125_seniors_bus_ transit_elderly_ap050803010722.jpg Figure 44: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 45: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care 281
List of Figures Figure 46: https://www.etsy.com/listing/96281261/shake Figure 47: https://cheezburger.com/7736894720 Figure 48: https://www.instagram.com/p/BldduD7jkQ3/?utm_source=ig_share_ sheet&igshid=1mvan6npu37r9 Figure 49: https://andrescanal.tumblr.com/image/180305861546 Figure 50: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 51: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 52: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 53: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 54: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 55: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 56: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 57: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 58: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 59: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 60: http://ebdjournal.com/journals/aged-care Figure 61: https://www.yatzer.com/sky-club-house-china/slideshow/15 Figure 62: https://www.connaissancedesarts.com/archi-jardin-et-patrimoine/la- geometrie-moderniste-de-tel-aviv-1113105/ Figure 63: http://www.betterphotography.in/contest-photo/14-023789/ Figure 64: https://www.dodho.com/forgotten-by-herman-cater/ Figure 65: https://www.boredpanda.com/photography-lonely-elderly-people-ricar do-ramos/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_ campaign=organic Figure 66: https://www.boredpanda.com/photography-lonely-elderly-people-ricar do-ramos/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_ campaign=organic Figure 67: https://www.boredpanda.com/photography-lonely-elderly-people-ricar do-ramos/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_ campaign=organic Figure 68: https://www.boredpanda.com/photography-lonely-elderly-people-ricar do-ramos/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_ campaign=organic Figure 69: http://www.boryana-katsarova.com/lonely-bulgaria/912uxm0qmcxflhft2 1qsmytyl2y7hf Figure 70: http://pursuingsplendor.com/2014/10/28/senior-isolation-real-problem- elderly/ Figure 71: http://www.ricardooliveiraalves.com/portfolio/housing/elderly-persons- residence/ Figure 72: http://yellowz.net/zukunftslabor-gartenstadt-21/ Figure 73: http://yellowz.net/zukunftslabor-gartenstadt-21/ 282
Figure 74: http://ebdjournal.com/blog/aged-care/a-sense-of-home Figure 75-91: http://ebdjournal.com/blog/aged-care/a-sense-of-home Figure 91-104: https://inspiration.detail.de/nursing-home-and-centre-for-senior-citi zens-in-steinfeld-103280.html?lang=en Figure 105-123:https://architizer.com/projects/inter-generation-centre-in-venarey-les- laumes/ Figure 124: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/146085581642224225/ Figure 125: https://www.visitaarhus.com/aarhus/plan-your-trip/aros-aarhus-art- museum-gdk1077501 Figure 126: https://www.visitaarhus.com/aarhus/plan-your-trip/aros-aarhus-art- museum-gdk1077501 Figure 127: https://www.visitaarhus.com/aarhus/plan-your-trip/aros-aarhus-art- museum-gdk1077501 Figure 128: https://www.visitaarhus.com/aarhus/plan-your-trip/aros-aarhus-art- museum-gdk1077501 Figure 129: https://www.diezingerarchitekten.de/projects/23 Figure 130: https://www.diezingerarchitekten.de/projects/23 Figure 131: https://www.diezingerarchitekten.de/projects/23 Figure 132: https://www.archdaily.com/536548/sant-antoni-joan-oliver-library-rcr- arquitectes Figure 133: https://www.archdaily.com/536548/sant-antoni-joan-oliver-library-rcr- arquitectes Figure 134: https://www.archdaily.com/536548/sant-antoni-joan-oliver-library-rcr- arquitectes Figure 135: https://www.archdaily.com/3959/de-plussenburgh-arons-en-gelauff-ar chitecten Figure 136: https://www.archdaily.com/3959/de-plussenburgh-arons-en-gelauff-ar chitecten Figure 137: https://www.archdaily.com/3959/de-plussenburgh-arons-en-gelauff-ar chitecten Figure 138: http://www.reversibledestiny.org/architecture/reversible-destiny-lofts- mitaka Figure 139: http://www.reversibledestiny.org/architecture/reversible-destiny-lofts- mitaka Figure 140: http://www.reversibledestiny.org/architecture/reversible-destiny-lofts- mitaka Figure 141: http://fromicetospice.com/
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