KAWABA SANCTUARY: EXPERIENTIAL LIVING FOR THE JAPANESE ELDERLY

Abstract

The end of one’s societal responsibility.

The trait of society responsibility is deeply rooted within the Japanese society. Retirement at the age of 65 in Japan marks the end of their responsibility towards the economy and their family. The cessation of years of work life routine is usually hard for some of them to accustom and the notion of ageing starts making its entry into their lives.

The overarching idea for this thesis is henceforth envisioned as a migratory network of experiential sanctuaries for the Japanese elderly to assist them in embracing the notion of ageing while achieving spiritual and physical wellness.

Located across (sub-urban area in) Japan, these sanctuaries identified will be designed to facilitate an inclusive and communal approach model. Through the engagement with the surrounding landscape, local culture and community, experiential living for them can hopefully assist them in coming to face with this stage of their life and prepares them for their “next life”.