INTEGRATED HABITAT : COMMUNITY LIVING WITH THE ELDERLY : CROSSROAD FOR THE THIRD AGE, INTEGRATING THE THIRD AGE

Abstract

This Thesis investigates on the growing needs for alternative housing options and community living lifestyles for the increasing educated elderly population (the Third Age ) in Singapore. There is a need to rethink the notion of Active Ageing and Ageing-in-Place for the future elderly in which they should enjoy and partake by encouraging them the empowerment to continue engaging activities, especially to continue sharing and contributing their professions, expertise and knowledge to the society, learning, practicing or pursuing personal interests, or working to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle so as to age with dignity and security. It also allows them to live a purposeful and meaningful lifestyle that promotes family, community and social bonding within the built environment. The project site is at Redhill Estate (Bukit Merah Town), one of the oldest estates with high elderly population in Singapore. The design approach applies the concept of Insertion of two new elements into existing urban fabrics. The first element is the introduction of a link bridge with communal deck spaces that runs through the whole site connecting to the proposed integrated apartments, existing flats, elderly rental apartments, commercial facilities, neighborhood park and MRT(Mass Rapid Transit) train station. This link bridge not only facilitates seamless circulation through the site but also have pockets of communal deck spaces for the elderly residents to gather and meet up for activities. The second element is the introduction of new Integrated Habitat – new housing and communal living typology in the new apartments that integrate residential living, community programs and commercial facilities. The new Integrated Habitat emphasizes on family and community bonding which allows the elderly residents to age-in-place within their familiar environment and various housing options for them to live independently or with family. The integrated communal spaces and facilities encourage the elderly residents to participate and engage in communal activities with family and friends, thus creating an active community living for the elderly residents.