This
project aims to explore a collective life scenario for 60+ age group to live,
socialize and involve in various activities in order to maintain their life
qualities and enjoy life both individually and collectively. The architectural
inquiry is to design an environment where elders can age with joy and dignity,
while receiving the appropriate level of support and pursue their daily
routines without refraining themselves from the city life. The program will
include a range of housing opportunities conjoined with skilled care services,
social, cultural, health and fitness facilities. Project site is strategically
located next to Eyüp public hospital, recreational areas stretching along Haliç
and the city transportation lines.
Population
aging is seen one of the most important demographic movements recently. This
change with the boom in urbanization is actualized in the cities and affects
the way of life and care for elderly people as a result of the move to core
family living. Therefore, the need for services for elderly people in the big
cities grows in importance. In this context some concepts such as “elderly
housing” (almshouse, sheltered housing, old peoples homes), “retirement life
centers”, “retirement community centers” “elderly friendly cities” which appeal
to groups above 60 years of age. Until recently, especially in the developed
countries, most kinds of issues about population aging which are seen as
typical situations, and are bearing addressed today. On the other hand
important problems of the future are waiting for developed countries where ever
larger groups of citizens are aging today.
Turkey is one of the countries
which has an aging risk potential according to the statistics for the near
future. During the next 50 years, the
population of elderly people are expected to be increased two times. For
this reason “Collective Living Facilities for the Elderly” in Eyup-Istanbul has
been specified as the theme of this graduation project.
The aim of “Collective Living Facilities for the
Elderly” is to provide amenities such as accommodation and a high quality of
life, various social activities, exercise facilities, and the possibility of
taking advantage of health care services to aging adults with various levels of
need. Amenities should meet daily
living needs as well as health care for those taking part in the living facilities. The design should address the socialization
of the people, provide an invigorating life, provide enjoyment of life as well
as address continuing daily life comfort needs and associated amenities.
