practical living
A PLACE OF BELONGING IN THE
URBAN CONTEXT
Intergenerational interaction
Housing arrangements that allow for
intergenerational living create an avenue
for seniors to impart their time-gathered
wisdom and experience to the next
generations, giving them a sense of
productivity and significance in society.
Getting involved in social work, the local
kindergarten, library or cafe not only gives
them a sense of purpose and contribution
that is vital for maintaining their sense of
dignity, but also promotes socialising and
mental exercise that helps to delay the onset
of age-related illnesses such as dementia.
Connection to context
The vertical advantage of high-rise
buildings creates more opportunity for
visual connection to the urban context
and its activities while maintaining privacy
rather than disengagement from the
surroundings. When aged care design can
be focused around places of urban interest,
it brings the people from outside within and
encourages the residents to venture out.
Design that visually includes the context
helps residents feel they are part of their
surroundings and feel less isolated.
Inclusivity
Segregating seniors from our communities
because ageing and death are too
‘uncomfortable’ to accept only creates
further stigma and division in society. For
the sake of mature and healthy societies
where old age is accepted as part of life, our
urban spaces need to be inclusive of seniors
and caring for them. Imagine the Swiss
model where high-rise aged care facilities
have entry spaces that are occupied by
cafes, movie theatre foyers, community
centres and so on that are used by both
residents and the public, creating a natural
integration between both worlds.
Flexibility
Housing unit layouts need to encourage
flexible spaces that can adapt as the
residents’ degree of care changes.
Adaptable construction and installation
of duress, accessibility and medical
services can easily convert residential
spaces to ones better suited for increased
nursing requirements. This increases
the chances for long-term stay in urban
residential areas and, consequently,
establishing long-term relationships with
neighbours and the larger community.
It is also an advantage for those who
prefer to live with their carers while receiving
advanced nursing attention rather than
move to dedicated aged care facilities.
Proximity
Proximity to urban conveniences
like medical facilities, transport and
entertainment can encourage seniors to be
independent for longer and hence delay
their reliance on aged care resources. It also
provides easier access to the residents and
consequently more frequent interaction with
family and friends while also maintaining
their independence and privacy. ■
Susan Mathews is project architect at
Collard Maxwell Architects.
Hurry! You’d be wise
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