Date of Submission
Spring 5-1-2020
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Primary Advisor
Peter Pittman
Secondary Advisor
Ameen Farooq
Abstract
This thesis started by looking at malls that were no longer being used and the issued that developed with the decline of these places. I thought of how architecture could benefit and improve the quality of these spaces and the site.
The total population of the United States is approximately 325 million people. Out of the 325 million, approximately 53 million people will be over the age of 65. Between 1946 and 1964, the Baby Boomer generation increased more than any other generation. That generation is now reaching an age where the need for senior living options are more in demand.
Every society in every country has specific considerations and seek its own appropriate solution to improve and maintain the quality of life for its older citizens. Every culture approaches its difficulties, values, and expectations differently. People everywhere are seeking a quality of life that surpasses the need for shelter and medical care. There’s not a correct model nor a best model, but there are numerous ways to approach this through thoughtful design that creates an appropriate model for a specific space in a specific time.
Greyfield land are typically not contaminated so there are advantages to reuse the site to conserve energy, develop economic growth, and reduce urban sprawl.
As future generations rethink the way we live and interact with each other, I believe that retrofitting greyfield land for a senior living community could be a way to explore independent and assisted living, and build cultural community strengths amongst the different senior age groups.