Intergenerational Habitat
Here are a few glimpses of my architectural work, carefully designed to meet the unique needs and preferences of my clients. My project was awarded the best thesis project for the academic year of 2018
Merging Old Age Homes and Orphanages Through Innovative Architecture
The project depicts the idea of Hybridizing and merging of old age homes and orphanages using intergenerational architecture to establish a space for fresh intergenerational bonds, fostering social and emotional growth for both age groups and reconnecting them with society.
It aims to convey the thought process, creativity, and architectural expertise that went into conceptualizing and designing a space that caters to multiple generations.
Project Aim
The thesis establishes architectural strategies to integrate two age groups i.e. senior citizens and orphans, that have been isolated and neglected by the society and this is achieved by hybridizing and merging the programs through the intervention of intergenerational architecture in order to create a spatial platform for intergenerational connections. It also involves the connections with the society as a whole.
Design Process
User Research
Quality of life of old people
As India experiences rapid industrialization, urbanization, and globalization, traditional values shift, impacting intergenerational bonds.
The issue is of much more serious concern in low income group families, where loss of financial independence makes the elderly a burden for their families. With this backdrop necessity of old age home come into existence and the need have increased gradually .
Demographics
•The percentage of population of senior citizens has been expected to rise from 7.5 percent in 2001 to 20 percent in 2050 (UNFPA) .
•As per 2011 census Mumbai has around 1.5 million senior citizens almost the entire population of Patna and the senior citizens
•Population numbers are likely to increase threefold in the next three decades.
SOURCE . Demographic transition in elderly population growth in India . Source : UNFPA 2001,2017
Quality of life of orphans
• India shelters a staggering 20 million orphaned street children, constituting one of the globe's largest orphan populations.
• Due to insufficient support, care, and guidance, these vulnerable children are subjected to exploitation, abuse, and involvement in criminal activities.
• Lacking shelter, their exposure to unsanitary living conditions places them at significant health risks.
The simplest definition is one the children have developed themselves,
"without a roof and without roots....... roofless and rootless".
Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis of seniors in old age homes
To comprehensively grasp the circumstances faced by elderly individuals and orphaned children, I carried out a survey across 9 different old age homes and 4 orphanages. During this survey, I employed open-ended questions to glean insights directly from seniors and orphans themselves. This approach aimed to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and perspectives within their respective environments.
9 different Old age homes surveyed
This How they feel
Restricted environment of old age homes
Left confined within the four walls of their rooms and devoid of company.
Separated From Urban Context
Separated From other Generations
"Its just a cube that offers Shelter overhead and completely isolated from the society ."
Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis of orphans in orphanage
Family life is basic to the wholesome development of a child and when the child is deprived of healthy family care, emotional development of children is affected .
4 different orphanages surveyed
Quantitative Analysis of old age homes and Orphanges
Inferences
Thus study of old age home indicates that old people in institutional setting majorly belonged to low income groups and have very low quality of life deprived of any social connections .Similarly quantitative and qualitative survey children in institutional setting of orphanages have low quality of life as large number of children are deprived of love and care due to which they suffer from loneliness and depression and feel isolated from the society.
Area of Concern
Since Orphans and old people are regarded as dependent, as economic burdens and Both are neglected and face isolation. Both face identity crises and lack self esteem. Both are subject to feelings of loneliness and emptiness. Both have limited attention span and erratic moods. For both availability and accessibility to opportunities tend to be limited’. Street children and some elders do face the problem of marginalization.
Therefore there is a need of creating spaces that can reflect an environment that can trigger their , social and emotional development
As the orphans are at the starting point of the life's race while the elder people has all important experiences about this race so what if we merge these two communities so that they could help each other for a better life...
Project Goal
To hybridize and formulate a space for abandoned old people and orphans in order to connect the experience of the old age with the youth fullness of children and complete their wanting family and establish a new community.
Combined Facilities
Upon scrutinizing the circumstances of elderly individuals and orphaned children, I conducted a survey across integrated facilities in the Indian context. It's notable that there are scarce instances of institutions that bring these two groups together.
Children helping seniors
Children learning from Senior
The relationship between children and senior citizens serves as a mutually beneficial and supportive dynamic. Children and senior citizens often share a unique bond characterized by reciprocal care, companionship, and shared experiences. Children offer a fresh perspective, energy, and a sense of wonder, while senior citizens provide guidance, wisdom, and a nurturing presence.
ELDERS - --- --- -- --KIDS:
•Reduce psychological pain.
•Reduce the Feeling of emptiness
•Reduce the feeling of being unwanted.
•Act as supportive pillars to each other.
•Emotional needs-love and care will be served
•Provide appropriate guidance
•Inculcate social and family values.
•Improve quality of life.
Site Selection
After completing the comprehensive surveys, I proceeded to identify a site that mirrored the challenges identified during the survey and research process.
Qualitative Analysis
I conducted surveys on site and asked open ended questions to the people around on site
The Site has large number of slum population where in senior citizens and children are the main sufferers due to over crowding and unhygienic conditions of slums . Also as per census of the site it is one of the vulnerable ward in western suburb having maximum number of street children .
Site Mapping
After the site selection i conducted the Site mapping
Design Thesis Panels
Mapping the Site Selection Journey
The first thesis panel visually portrays the thorough research and journey undertaken to finalize the site. It illustrates the rigorous process of site selection through data collection, site analysis, and exploration of potential locations. The visuals encompass geographic elements, neighborhood demographics, accessibility, and infrastructure details.
Designing for Densely Packed Slum Spaces: Embracing the Concept of Porosity.
The chosen site was situated within a slum area characterized by densely packed spaces and limited room for expansion. To effectively convey this context in my design, I employed the concept of "porosity."
Second panel reflects the approach of incorporating open, interconnected areas that facilitate the flow of people, light, and air. This not only countered the inherent congestion but also fostered a sense of openness and community interaction. By strategically placing voids, open courtyards, and pathways, I aimed to break down the sense of confinement and offer inhabitants a more breathable, interconnected environment.
Designing for Densely Packed Slum Spaces: Embracing the Concept of Porosity.
The third panel illustrates the process of designing spaces using the concept of porosity, aimed at creating a welcoming environment for both children and the elderly. The spaces were designed in such a way that facilitate interaction between children and the elderly, encouraging the exchange of affection.
A Multidimensional View of Project Planning and Innovative Hydroponic System for Enhanced Living Spaces
In essence, the forth panel offers a multi-dimensional insight into the project's architectural planning, showcasing the intricate details of zones, services, and unique features that collectively create a harmonious and enriching living space for both children and the elderly.
A standout feature depicted in this panel is the innovative hydroponic system designed specifically for the elderly residents. This system empowers them to engage in gardening activities, fostering a sense of purpose and leisure during their free time. This inventive solution reflects the project's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents, regardless of age.
Harmony of Structure and Open Spaces in Sustainable Design
The fifth thesis panel provides a vivid representation of the architectural intricacies of the project. Notably, the facade design is skillfully crafted in accordance with the concept of solid and void.
This design approach is a harmonious interplay of structural elements and open spaces, creating a dynamic visual appeal.
An innovative aspect showcased on this panel is the integration of reusable materials sourced directly from the site's surroundings. Given the site's location within a slum area, where waste materials abound, the incorporation of these resources into the design demonstrates a sustainable approach. This not only minimizes waste but also integrates the local context into the architecture.
Reusing of Bottles in Facade to enhance the sense of playfulness
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection for Enhanced User Experience and Well-Being.
The views showcased in this panel offer a glimpse into the thoughtfully designed interior spaces, portraying the seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. These vistas highlight the architectural brilliance that has been directed toward enhancing user experience and promoting well-being.
Models
"I've turned my workspace into a mini construction site – making models like a pro architect by day, and unintentionally giving my vacuum cleaner a workout by night!"
Thank you
