POSTECH H uman S ystem D esign Lab oratory Ch 40. Housing for older persons in Southeast Asia: Evolving policy and design Thu. 김 충 식

POSTECH H uman S ystem D esign Lab oratory Introduction  This chapter…  shows case of housing for older persons in Southeast Asia especially in Singapore  Contents  The background of Singapore  Trends toward independent living  Pilot program: studio apartments  Recommendation: Aging in place  Aging and design challenges in an Asian context 2

POSTECH H uman S ystem D esign Lab oratory The background about Singapore  The Republic of Singapore  2.7 million people in 646 km 2  Land is very expensive  high-rise living  Apartments are expensive Many younger people live with their parents, even after marriage Uncommon for older people to move away from the family The extended family and multigenerational living are common in Singapore It is generally assumed that there will be family members on hand to care for the elderly or the disabled members.  65 and above aged people [Now] = 7 %[2030] = 19% More people will live independently in old age  Housing and Development Board (HDB)  Construct and maintain buildings  Controls the sale and financing of buildings 3

POSTECH H uman S ystem D esign Lab oratory Trends toward independent living  Congregate housing  Modify old, single-room flats  Because not all older people are able to live with their families  Elderly people who are generally of limited financial means  Design features Double-loaded interior corridor Without the need for steps at the threshold Self-contained with a separate shower and toilet –Accessible for a person using a wheelchair Alarm cord-pulls for use in emergency 4

POSTECH H uman S ystem D esign Lab oratory Pilot program: studio apartments  Studio apartments  Located in existing “new town” area, close to social and commercial facilities  For the needs of many elderly people who may wish to live socially and financially in more independent way  17 story blocks, sharing communal facilities for services such as medical care, located at ground level 5 35m 2 (10.6 평 )45m 2 (13.6 평 )

POSTECH H uman S ystem D esign Lab oratory Pilot program: studio apartments  Elderly-friendly and barrier free features Bed alcove, separated from the living room by a folding door Nonslip floor surfaces Support handrails and lever faucets in the bathroom Bathroom is spacious enough to take a wheel chair Alarm cord pulls in the bedroom and bathroom Front entrance without steps Elevators stop at every floor for ease of access Switches and sockets are located at waist-height In the larger unit, the bathroom has two doors (kitchen or the bedroom) for privacy 6 35m 2 (10.6 평 ) 45m 2 (13.6 평 )

POSTECH H uman S ystem D esign Lab oratory Recommendation: Aging in place  “Key Strategic Thrusts” – IMC Report (1999) 7 Aging in place refers to enabling people to continue living in the community they are familiar and comfortable with well into old age, amidst family and community support. Aging in place entails provisions which make it possible for senior citizens to stay put in the homes which they possess at the point of retirement, or to move if they wish, within their own community. An elder-friendly built environment is a key determinant of the extent to which older people have access to services, and are integrated into the wider community. With the increasing trend towards nuclearisation, family care and support for senior citizens as well as their social integration could be affected. Community-based services should be made easily available to enable older people to stay in their communities, and not in enclaves of older people…

POSTECH H uman S ystem D esign Lab oratory Aging and design challenges in an Asian context  Removal of some of the main obstacles is vital in providing inclusive environments, but some actual problems exist  In many parts of tropical Asia, high rainfall is common  Traditional buildings have always had steps at the threshold, in order to keep out storm water  In everyday building maintenance, the washing of floors of public hallways, kitchens and bathrooms  inevitably involves copious quantities of water  preventing this water, the floor surfaces of such wet areas are often set at a slightly lower level  creating a step  These problems conflict with universal design principles but best solution for these problems are not well developed in Southeast Asia 8