Page 84 - HUDCO NASA DESIGN TROPHY 2020

“It is often said that the value and meaning of a civilization can be determined 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.” - Regnier

INTRODUCTION
As we progress in the new millennium with the perpetual challenges present in society, it is impossible to
ignore the population’s aging phenomenon. The population pyramid in the present scenario is steadily
decreasing while life expectancy is increasing. The shortfalls are twofold - qualitative and quantitative,
such that there is not only a need for additional care but also of collective environments that offer superior
quality of care. It will further address the combined psychological, social and physical needs of the senior
citizens’ habitat which is a special combination of housing, supportive services, personalized assistance
and healthcare designed to respond according to the individual needs of independent and assisted
seniors. The challenge exists to create a suitable habitat in conformity to the Indian environment, where
the concept still exists as inconceivable. APPROACH
THEME INTERPRETATION The approach focuses on elevating the

Embark refers to begin at a new path despite the risk of possible hardships psychological and physical health of the users to
on the journey. create a comfortable environment. By increasing the
The need to bring transitional ideas to life in the present scenario and to interaction between the senior citizens, loneliness
create a new vision is the need of the hour. These ideas will mark a new and depression can be tackled. The surroundings
start to an everlasting journey. If the efforts bear fruit, it will act as a step- are fabricated according to psychological study, to
ping stone of a path to which future looks back at. embrace the health issues of senior citizens.
BRIEF INTERPRETATION
The lack of adequate housing for the elderly and the shifting demographics
has exhilarated the need for a Senior Citizen’s Habitat. The need also OBJECTIVE
constitutes the social insecurities faced by the elderly within a society. To evolve a senior-friendly congenial physical
environment, care-giving milieu and accessible
infrastructure that provides facilities for both
independent and assisted living. To ensure the
presence of medical and recreational facilities
The habitat Yellow symbolizes happiness, that contributes to an active life for senior citizens.
deciphered from sense of smell. The design proposed should focus upon creating
the old stick held Blue symbolizes health,
in the hands of sense of taste. a secure habitat that provides varying levels of
the senior citizen support to the senior citizens under the provisions
revolves around 5 White symbolizes peace, laid by MoHUA.
colors : red, yellow, sense of hearing.
blue, green and
white. Green symbolizes harmony,
sense of touch.
Red symbolizes strength,
sense of vision.

AIM

To fabricate an efficient design for an integrated and comprehensive
senior citizen’s habitat – a place where senior citizens
celebrate their age. The project aims to enhance the quality
of life through better socialization, easier navigation,
better cognitive function, and predictable care
outcomes. Introducing inclusive housing
to uplift the social interaction among the
residents and emphasis is done on
landscaping to create a peaceful
environment for the elderly.

70 | HUDCO NASA DESIGN TROPHY | 2019-20