How Do You Design for an Ageing Population?
Archifest's Design for Silver Generation Symposium explores the ways architecture can aid the elderly
These somewhat overwhelming but very real statistics are part of the research by Dr. Chong Keng Hua, assistant professor of architecture and sustainable design at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). Chong is also author of the books Creative Ageing Cities: Place Design with Older People in Asian Cities and Second Beginnings: Senior Living Redefined, co-founder of design consultancy COLOURS: Collectively Ours LLP, and one of the speakers at Archifest‘s Design for Silver Generation Symposium. He shares some of the concepts he spoke about at the symposium here.
What are the differences between designing for the elderly/ageing, and for younger users?
In terms of ergonomics, we need to consider how the seniors can move around independently and support themselves in the urban environment. Younger people (except children) have a larger tolerance, whereas range of dimension for seniors tend to be smaller and require more care. Take seats for example: they should not be too low that seniors can’t sit down or get up by themselves. Armrests in this case will be helpful for them to get back up safely. Seats also should come with backrests but the angle of slant is critical; slightly too low and it won’t support their back.
In terms of ergonomics, we need to consider how the seniors can move around independently and support themselves in the urban environment. Younger people (except children) have a larger tolerance, whereas range of dimension for seniors tend to be smaller and require more care. Take seats for example: they should not be too low that seniors can’t sit down or get up by themselves. Armrests in this case will be helpful for them to get back up safely. Seats also should come with backrests but the angle of slant is critical; slightly too low and it won’t support their back.
Can you describe what these images you’ve shared are about, and what particular ‘senior’ need it fills?
These images I shared are how seniors creatively appropriate spaces in the city in order to make their surroundings more adaptable and friendly to their lifestyles, while catering for the larger community.
These images I shared are how seniors creatively appropriate spaces in the city in order to make their surroundings more adaptable and friendly to their lifestyles, while catering for the larger community.
What has the reception for the projects that have been tried/tested or presented to its target users been like?
The projects that were implemented by us so far have been quite well-received. The NTUC Health SilverCOVE Senior Wellness Centre in Marsiling empowers the senior residents of the studio apartment. They especially like the innovative gardening walls as they brought down their own plants, decorated the place, and helped each other in taking care of the plants. The Smart Void Deck project in Jurong East, with the revamped space and adaptable benches, has attracted more people to hang out at the community space.
The projects that were implemented by us so far have been quite well-received. The NTUC Health SilverCOVE Senior Wellness Centre in Marsiling empowers the senior residents of the studio apartment. They especially like the innovative gardening walls as they brought down their own plants, decorated the place, and helped each other in taking care of the plants. The Smart Void Deck project in Jurong East, with the revamped space and adaptable benches, has attracted more people to hang out at the community space.
Our book Second Beginnings that presents 10 new architectural typologies for future senior living has been very well received by the public. We have received more than a hundred opinions and suggestions since the book was launched in February.
The new TOUCH Community project in Ang Mo Kio, which will be completed soon, is a result of extensive consultation with the residents. We believe such participatory process will make the project more socially sustainable in the long run.
The new TOUCH Community project in Ang Mo Kio, which will be completed soon, is a result of extensive consultation with the residents. We believe such participatory process will make the project more socially sustainable in the long run.
Is there government or community funding for the projects? How do the needs of the silver generation factor into budget and building requirements?
Yes, various agencies like HDB and URA have been encouraging new initiatives from the ground through several grant schemes. Private organisations such as Lien Foundation and CapitaLand have also been very supportive.
Budget-wise, we need to take into consideration more time that is required during the initial phase, for user engagement, translational research (to achieve evidence-based design) and design development (to comply with regulatory requirements that may be quite different in a new proposed program or context). It’s only fair that all these additional services are reflected in the designer’s fees.
Yes, various agencies like HDB and URA have been encouraging new initiatives from the ground through several grant schemes. Private organisations such as Lien Foundation and CapitaLand have also been very supportive.
Budget-wise, we need to take into consideration more time that is required during the initial phase, for user engagement, translational research (to achieve evidence-based design) and design development (to comply with regulatory requirements that may be quite different in a new proposed program or context). It’s only fair that all these additional services are reflected in the designer’s fees.
Green/open spaces are an important aspect of ageing-friendly design. Yet, the current regulations do not really encourage integration of indoor and outdoor spaces as the land usually belongs to different owners, or is managed by different departments or agencies. This has resulted in mostly inward-looking eldercare spaces. We hope that our current project at Ang Mo Kio, which integrates indoor rehab and gym with outdoor activity spaces and a fenceless community farm, will set a new precedent for a more integrated approach for future projects.
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Archifest 2018 Celebrates Design for Life as its Festival Theme
Houzz Tour: Form Follows Site in a Hilly, Multi-Generational Home
Adding A Sweet Touch To Archifest 2018
Elderly-Friendly Spaces for Loved Ones who Live on Their Own
This year – 2018 – marks a demographic milestone for Singapore, when the number of those aged 65 or older will match the number of children below 15. In 2017, the number of seniors (aka the ‘Silver Generation’) reached the half-a-million mark. Think about that in relation to our population of almost 5.8 million.