the role of the project
The question of what should be a proper role of the proposed Senior Center be within the context of such a unique site configuration, dwelling the population of one of the top Universities in the United States.
As a study I did in 2013 has shown, there is clearly a gap between the dense elderly population and the absence of a proper facility within walking distance. However, due to the specific setting, the elderly should not be the only population we should take into consideration during the design process. The ideal should be that all the components of the community, including the current and prosperous students and faculty members, the family of them, and the potential supporter of this project, namely Carnegie Mellon University, should benefit from it.
As a study I did in 2013 has shown, there is clearly a gap between the dense elderly population and the absence of a proper facility within walking distance. However, due to the specific setting, the elderly should not be the only population we should take into consideration during the design process. The ideal should be that all the components of the community, including the current and prosperous students and faculty members, the family of them, and the potential supporter of this project, namely Carnegie Mellon University, should benefit from it.
1. How can the student benefit
1) The open space in the top floor provides nice study and recreational space for the students.
2) The landscape design creates outdoor workout and resting space for the students.
3) There will be extra music practicing and rehearsing room provided in the basement, which accords with the high concentration of music related population on campus.
4) The proposed bridge between the Senior Center and the campus provides students with a faster and safer way of crossing the busy Forbes Avenue.
5) Due to the shared common space, we can expect a series of shared activities and more frequent conversation between the elderly and the young people. This conversation will be beneficial and profitable for the students' personality growth.
6) The project provides volunteering opportunities for the students.
2. How can Carnegie Mellon University benefit
1) The project provides opportunities the aging related research areas and projects with a sustainable source of data and research targets.
2) Carnegie Mellon University will earn its reputation for its humanity and caring for the society.
3) Some of the elderly people might choose to donate to the university, which contribute to part of the University financial income.
3. How can faculty members benefit
1) They can provide students with more concrete examples and real data about the course content in related areas.
4. How can the elderly benefit
1) The reason why the elderly will consider entering an Elderly Center as undesirable is that most of the designs are based on hospitals and many of them locate in the suburban area, blocking their connection to the society.
1) The open space in the top floor provides nice study and recreational space for the students.
2) The landscape design creates outdoor workout and resting space for the students.
3) There will be extra music practicing and rehearsing room provided in the basement, which accords with the high concentration of music related population on campus.
4) The proposed bridge between the Senior Center and the campus provides students with a faster and safer way of crossing the busy Forbes Avenue.
5) Due to the shared common space, we can expect a series of shared activities and more frequent conversation between the elderly and the young people. This conversation will be beneficial and profitable for the students' personality growth.
6) The project provides volunteering opportunities for the students.
2. How can Carnegie Mellon University benefit
1) The project provides opportunities the aging related research areas and projects with a sustainable source of data and research targets.
2) Carnegie Mellon University will earn its reputation for its humanity and caring for the society.
3) Some of the elderly people might choose to donate to the university, which contribute to part of the University financial income.
3. How can faculty members benefit
1) They can provide students with more concrete examples and real data about the course content in related areas.
4. How can the elderly benefit
1) The reason why the elderly will consider entering an Elderly Center as undesirable is that most of the designs are based on hospitals and many of them locate in the suburban area, blocking their connection to the society.
COMBINED SENIOR AND FACULTY HOUSING
(contents to be added later)
Universal design
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In order for the concept of inter-generation living be delivered properly, the design of the built environment should consider "universal" and "adaptable" strategies to satisfy needs of different age group.
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Narrow Plan & passive strategies
Section and ventilation/Function
Floor-based air system
Interior Setting
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There's study showing that the "family" setting of interior environment is better for the Dementia victims than institutional (hospital-like) setting
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PASSIVE STRATEGY AND HEALTH
Natural ventilation, natural interior material ensures better indoor air quality
Sample plans of living unit
