A NURSING HOME FOR THE ELDERLY THAT WELCOMES EVERYONE - Design 8 Project by Dionisio and Gan

Summary

The video explores the emerging challenge of an aging population in the Philippines, highlighting the need to improve the quality of life for the elderly while fostering intergenerational connections. It introduces 'Treehouse,' an innovative architectural project in Manila designed as a playful, sensory-rich environment where seniors and youth engage through reminiscence therapy, traditional Filipino games, and communal activities like gardening and cooking. By integrating private, shared, and intergenerational living spaces with inclusive design features, Treehouse promotes physical, cognitive, and social well-being, redefining elderly care and demonstrating how architecture can facilitate meaningful relationships across generations while revitalizing the local community.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Philippines is transitioning to an aging society by 2030, with longer lifespans but not necessarily better quality of life for the elderly.
• 😀 The country faces challenges like rehabilitation, healthcare, and social issues for the elderly, which need addressing soon.
• 😀 The design of elderly care facilities in the Philippines needs a redesign to improve their mental and physical well-being.
• 😀 The proposed solution is a concept called 'Treehouse,' which focuses on intergenerational care and social integration.
• 😀 The 'Treehouse' concept incorporates sensory stimulation and memory recall through design, using play as a foundation for rehabilitation.
• 😀 Intergenerational relationships are key: both the elderly and youth benefit from meaningful interactions, helping improve cognitive function, health, and attitudes toward aging.
• 😀 Reminiscence therapy is an important tool for the elderly, helping reduce depression and reclaim independence through sensory-based design.
• 😀 Play, often seen as for children, is shown to have lifelong benefits and can improve mental, physical, and social health for all ages, including the elderly.
• 😀 The 'Treehouse' project aims to foster community connections and Filipino kin relationships through shared activities and sensory experiences.
• 😀 The site for 'Treehouse' is strategically located in Ermita, Manila, with easy access to residential areas, public spaces, and healthcare facilities, making it ideal for the project.
• 😀 The building design integrates green rooftop spaces, a central ramp for circulation, and interactive features like rock climbing, play areas, and balconies to encourage interaction and engagement between generations.

Q & A

What societal challenge is the Philippines expected to face by 2030?

By 2030, the Philippines will transition into an aging society, facing challenges such as degenerative diseases, healthcare demands, and social issues related to elderly welfare.

Why does the script emphasize the importance of intergenerational relationships?

Intergenerational relationships are emphasized to foster mutual meaningful interactions where both the elderly and youth benefit, improving cognitive health for seniors and instilling respect and positive habits in the younger generation.

What is the main concept of the Treehouse project?

The Treehouse is an intergenerational sanctuary that integrates play, sensory stimulation, and reminiscence therapy to improve the quality of life of elderly and youth while promoting social interaction and community development.

How does the Treehouse address the issue of elderly isolation in the Philippines?

Treehouse combats isolation by providing communal spaces, shared activities, sensory experiences, and opportunities for interaction with youth, ensuring seniors are actively engaged in social and cognitive activities.

What role does play have in the design of Treehouse?

Play is used as a foundation for engagement, mental and physical stimulation, memory recall, social interaction, and intergenerational bonding, drawing on traditional Filipino childhood games like hopscotch and patandera.

What are some architectural features of the Treehouse that promote intergenerational interaction?

Key features include a central ramp for circulation and play, rooftop gardens, operable windows, multifunctional walls, balconies, and shared spaces like courtyards and cafeterias designed for both elderly and children.

How does reminiscence therapy factor into the design?

Reminiscence therapy uses sensory stimuli such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell to help seniors recall positive memories, reduce depression, and engage in meaningful interactions with youth.

What considerations were made regarding accessibility and inclusivity in the Treehouse design?

The design incorporates anthropometric and ergonomic data for both abled and disabled users, ramps suitable for elderly and PWD, operable doors, and inclusive furniture and surfaces to ensure accessibility for all ages and abilities.

Why was the Ermita, Manila site chosen for the Treehouse project?

The site is highly accessible, located along the Pasig Riverfront, adjacent to public plazas, residential and office areas, youth landmarks, and health facilities, making it ideal for intergenerational community engagement.

What types of residential units are included in the Treehouse, and who are they for?

The Treehouse includes single elderly private rooms, shared elderly rooms, and intergenerational rooms for elders living with younger family members, all equipped with amenities for comfort, sensory therapy, and social interaction.

How does the rooftop contribute to the intergenerational concept?

The rooftop provides outdoor play areas, patches of greenery for gardening, and communal spaces like a cafeteria, enabling children and elderly to interact, participate in activities, and engage their senses in meaningful ways.

What is the broader vision behind the Treehouse project?

The Treehouse aims to improve the quality of life for the Filipino elderly, promote intergenerational empathy, and introduce a new architectural language of social integration and community-focused design.