Date of Submission
Spring 5-3-2019
Degree Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Christopher Welty
Secondary Advisor
Arief Setiawan
Abstract
There are many factors that contribute to our individuality, but aging is not one of them. Aging is a fundamental aspect that connects us all because at the end of the day we are all part of the aging process - a process that begins at birth and continues until death. When we are in our thirty’s the decrease of cognitive function begins. In our forties the difficulty in hearing and visions begins. In our fifties the decrease of mobility function declines and in our sixties our taste and smell become more difficult. By the time we reach our seventies this process becomes very apparent and affects the quality of living and the quality of housing. According to the 2012 U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, the elderly population is expected to increase by 20% in large part due to the baby-boomers’ generation and increased longevity over time. This brings an important question that we must ask ourselves; As architects what do we need to consider as we design space for the elderly? This project examines the building typologies and elderly facilities that support independent living regardless of location. The project then further developed a design criterion by using the applied scientific method which uses the findings from the research to the applied idea, the aging process. This allows the evaluation of design based on the responsive criteria to aging. In our society the types of dwelling have become age-group specific that make people choose between the quality of living vs. the quality of housing. With the context of aging-in-place, my thesis intends to redefine aging-in-place with an interpretation of a typology for single family homes all within a developed program that will not only eliminate the unavoidable issue to relocate but will also create a community that ages together.
Comments
I would like to give thanks to Louise Floyd, my mother, who inspired me to do this thesis topic and encouraged me to be whoever I wanted to be. I would also like to give thanks to my family who has supported me throughout this entire architecture program.