Integrated Home for Elderly & Children

Rajshahi University of Enginnering & Technology

Project idea

One of the factors that make old age homes attractive to elders is the companionship, similarly orphans in orphanages are given a safe environment in which to grow, given somewhere to sleep, regular food and schooling. When a person becomes senior citizen he or she comes to a very sensitive age in his or her life. As it is said a child or an aged person is one and the same thing; their behavior, their need or the amount of care needed becomes the same as that of a new born baby. The aged people need a lot of care. They need a good amount of care, respect, dignity and effort so that they can die peacefully. Likewise, kids are like sponges, they need positive guidance. They absorb everything they see or hear. There is just too much distraction around them that can lead them astray. Thus, combining them with the elderly members (more experienced ones) will make them more disciplined and will provoke good thoughts and good values amongst those orphans also it will help to enrich the lives of the community's youngest members, and encourage them to continually strive for a better future. The orphanage helps care for children who are abandoned or whose families are unable to care for them. The number of old age homes are growing in Bangladesh. The nation in which is known for family values and has a system of living together is slowly breaking due to plenty of reasons such as, present time lifestyle, the concept of nuclear family, etc. Some of the elderly in such families are left by their children on to the streets and are isolated. The idea behind this proposal is to translate the emotions of synergetic relationship of both orphans as well as annulled elders into architectural spaces considering physical comfort for both the groups.

Project description

The intent of this project is to design a campus where the Orphans and the elderly people that are annulled from their own houses can co-habit under one roof. Providing architectural solutions that focuses on restoring safety and belongingness among both the addressed user groups.
Objectives
• To design architectural spaces for old and young that brings new energy, knowledge and enthusiasm to each other's lives.
• To design its infrastructure for cost reduction (societal benefits of putting the two types of institution together).
• To create common spaces within the campus separately from that of their private domes, maintaining the privacy and health related safety for both the groups.
• To treat the campus with beautiful landscape resulting in rejuvenating the life of elderly by providing them the right companionship. Scope of design
1. To focus on translating the interdependent behavior of both the targeted group into architectural spaces. To indulge only in the architectural expression rather than its social and psychological parameters.
2. To adopt the universal design norms making the space accessible to all.
3. To design a self-sustained campus using Eco-friendly materials and construction techniques, thus generating local employment.
4. To generate privacy for all the occupants by designing private residential spaces along with separate common interactive spaces within the campus.

Technical information

The conceptual framework for the project "Integrated Home for Elderly and Children" addresses key topics: Issues (social isolation, inadequate care), Objective (enhance intergenerational bonding and quality of life), Indicators (resident well-being, community engagement), and Variables of Architectural Decisions (shared spaces, accessibility, safety, and comfort). This framework guides the design to create a nurturing, inclusive environment. The concept for the "Integrated Home for Elderly and Children" envisions a sustainable village where residents actively contribute to both living and management, creating a dynamic and supportive community. This model leverages the strengths and experiences of elderly individuals while providing orphans with comprehensive education and training opportunities.
In this integrated community, elderly residents bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. For example, an elderly person with a background in farming can lead agro training sessions, sharing sustainable agricultural practices with both children and other residents. Similarly, retired teachers can contribute by teaching at the on-site elementary school, providing high-quality education and fostering a love for learning among the children. These roles not only allow the elderly to remain active and engaged but also ensure their valuable skills and wisdom are passed on to younger generations.
Orphaned children in the village benefit from a nurturing environment that offers both accommodation and education. The educational program is designed to be holistic, combining classical academic subjects with polytechnical training. This dual approach ensures that children receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for a variety of future roles. For instance, those interested in medicine can pursue training to become doctors, while others might focus on management, helping to maintain and oversee the village's operations. Additionally, children can be trained in specialized areas such as geriatrics, agriculture, and education, enabling them to take on roles as trainers and teachers within the community.
This circulation of roles and responsibilities creates a self-sustaining ecosystem where all residents, regardless of age, can contribute meaningfully. The elderly provide guidance and mentorship, while the younger generation brings energy and innovation. This intergenerational interaction fosters a sense of belonging and purpose for everyone involved.
By engaging all residents in meaningful activities, the project not only enhances the well-being and purpose of both elderly and children but also ensures the village thrives as a cohesive and resilient community. This sustainable model serves as a blueprint for integrating care, education, and community living, ultimately improving the quality of life for all residents.