Age and the City

Social isolation and loneliness affecting a large number of older persons and elderly is a prevalent issue in today’s society. Current older persons and the Baby Boomer generation approaching this age are far more independent than previous generations. Their perception of ‘retirement’ has a negative connotation due to society’s pressures and value placed in remaining independent and useful. The current model of aged care housing, although existing in many forms catered towards different levels of care, is generally seen as a last resort and an acceptance of being dependent on others for day-to-day things. This has led to a trend of ageing in place, in homes which are arguably too big for a single person or couple and often not equipped to adapt to bodily decline. With reducing mobility, this can restrict the residents’ ability to socially interact and engage with their communities. This research investigation analyses the role architecture plays in contributing to this issue and looks at opportunities for improvement through the design of a mixed urban housing development designed to meet the physical and social needs of older persons. Four strategic design tactics were formed during the early design investigations. They directly address the researches aims and objectives through social and spatial means. These tactics are: Tactic 1 - Urban Location, connecting residents to the city, parks and a nearby school; Tactic 2 - Social Circulation is developed to facilitate incidental and planned interactions in the circulation spaces of the developments; Tactic 3 - Mixed Housing provides a range of apartments suited to older persons, students and families; Tactic 4 - Shared Amenities provides health services, leisure activities and a cafe for residents and the wider public to enjoy. The design investigation found that making circulation a primary focus allowed for a stronger relationship between the site and building and allowed for more opportunities for interactions between residents and the public. This research argues that these tactics working together, will provide better outcomes for older persons in health and well being and should be considered as a new and better model of older persons housing