Architecture for elderly people
Current and upcoming generation of czech seniors experienced their productive period of life in a revolutionary and post-revolutionary period, in time of open possibilities and challenges as well as disappointments. It is a generation which had to cope with the change of political regime and also with change of society as a whole. This generation is able to value freedom, both social and individual, more than the others „thanks“ to growing up in socialism.
However, it is still one of the most fragile social groups, which is very strongly connected with its immediate surroundings. Despite of a desire for independence and for self-sufficiency, their world is shrinking with increasing age into an apartment, a place in front of the house or a street leading to the grocery. These places can often become their whole world. Housing for seniors should ensure their contact with society and the outside world. It should be friendly and positive, at the same time quiet and ensuring privacy, easy accessible and, to some extent, flexible and universal.
Its inevitable part is a stimulating environment, which helps to activate seniors. Being part of a group, not being alone, and belonging somewhere is extremely important. One of the key elements keeping seniors active is the community of people around them. As architects, we are facing the challenge to design a home that fulfils all of this. A place to live, an environment we know intimately, where we are getting old surrounded by friends, where we feel comfortable and private – all of this has proven to have a major impact on the quality and duration of our lives.
Architecture for elderly people
Current and upcoming generation of czech seniors experienced their productive period of life in a revolutionary and post-revolutionary period, in time of open possibilities and challenges as well as disappointments. It is a generation which had to cope with the change of political regime and also with change of society as a whole. This generation is able to value freedom, both social and individual, more than the others „thanks“ to growing up in socialism.
However, it is still one of the most fragile social groups, which is very strongly connected with its immediate surroundings. Despite of a desire for independence and for self-sufficiency, their world is shrinking with increasing age into an apartment, a place in front of the house or a street leading to the grocery. These places can often become their whole world. Housing for seniors should ensure their contact with society and the outside world. It should be friendly and positive, at the same time quiet and ensuring privacy, easy accessible and, to some extent, flexible and universal.
Its inevitable part is a stimulating environment, which helps to activate seniors. Being part of a group, not being alone, and belonging somewhere is extremely important. One of the key elements keeping seniors active is the community of people around them. As architects, we are facing the challenge to design a home that fulfils all of this. A place to live, an environment we know intimately, where we are getting old surrounded by friends, where we feel comfortable and private – all of this has proven to have a major impact on the quality and duration of our lives.
Community housing for seniors
Invited competition: 2019
Location: 2nd place
Place: Česká Kamenice
Co-authors: Nikola Karabcová, Ivan Březina
Team: David Neuhäusl, Matěj Hunal, Veronika Paľová, Jakub Zelenák