Active Ageing Hubs is a relatively new concept in Singapore, where Seniors can come together to interact socially and at the same time access certain medical facilities.
DESIGN THINKING
In essence, the design thinking behind the concept can be summarised into:
A. Instilling Familiarity in Seniors
- creating a homely environment , especially to calm patients with mild dementia
- using heritage elements such as shophouse windows, coffeeshop tables /seats to infuse a sense of familiarity (page 13)
B. Instilling Courage, Confidence , Independence in Seniors( complimented by Technology)
- Providing IT facilities such as usb power points in the walls where seniors can plug in anywhere they are within the centre
- Providing a open kitchen (in addition to a wet kitchen run by the operator) so that the seniors can make light meals for themselves , make new recipes, or simply experiment (page 12)
- Facilitating some of the seniors to actually assist to run the centre, such as providing low reception desk for wheelchair users to man the reception desk (page 15)
C. Instilling Lifelong learning, Awareness of the World in Seniors (complimented by Technology)
- A library with low shleves within the centre with wireless, usb, tablet provisions (page 14)
- Keeping the seniors informed of news through media screens
D. Maintaining Seniors Social ties with the External World
- Providing a open and welcoming entrance space where visitors or HDB residents can interact freely with the seniors. Seniors who are not signed up with the centre are welcome to relax in this space as well. (page 8, 9, 10,11)
- Exchanging knowledge: Providing a social bookshelf at this entrance for HDB residents to swop books with the seniors (page 15)
- Open kitchen is design to double up as a cooking demonstration area where external vendors or HDB residents can come in to share their recipes, or cook for the seniors. Seniors can also impart their recepies.
While some of the concepts are now new, they are now put together into a forward looking eco system for the elderly. It would be a hybrid of 'home', social space, medical. There are other concepts such as providing a space for arts and craft and even a hair cutting station which can help the seniors gain a sense of self respect and creativity and self self satisfaction.
SPACE PLANNING & INTERIOR DETAILING
The space at Telok Blangah BTO is estimated to be about 1 200sqm, which is ideal for the eco system to take place. The 'Heart' of the space is the open kitchen, which is why it is larger than normal. Many activities can take place in the kitchen, as described in the Design Thinking. Interior design is becoming ever more important to create a welcoming environment for the elderly. It is an entire scope of work to engage a socially sensitive and passionate Architect or Interior Designer to do a proper interiors for the elderly, down to selection of Furniture Fittings and Fixtures.
