Roots Space for Elder Citizens by Ze Yang

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DESIGN DETAILS

DESIGN NAME:
Roots

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Space for Elder Citizens

INSPIRATION:
Inspired by a journey to Chengdu where I saw many elder citizens enjoy themselves in a certain area of a park, I thought of my parents who always stay at home and don't know where to go in the city, so I want to start a project for them to help them live a better life in city.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
RetireNest is a concept space design, providing a hobby activity centre for middle-aged and elderly people in city, where they can socialize based on their interest. The space includes three main sections, outdoor activity centre, indoor activity centre and shared farm. And the applications of solar panels make RetireNest an eco-friendly and sustainable urban space. The project enables a healthier, more comfortable and enjoyable life for elder citizens.

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
In this block, elder citizens may get information about different kind of activities from App remotely or from the service center, and when they come and join the activities, social connections are naturally built. They may also rent a part of shared farm to grow and during the daily interactions like helping each other, trading or experience sharing, they get crossed and can spend their days in this block without worrying about where they should go and what to do.

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:
This project is planned to locate in the park of each city.

PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY:
The main architecture is made up of concrete to better convey the idea of natural and peaceful as it looks simple and unadorned. On the surface , it’s also cover with thin-film solar cell to make the whole space sustainable and could provide energy itself.

SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:
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TAGS:
Nature, Age Appropriate,City Development,Social,Sustainable

RESEARCH ABSTRACT:
I first make my 7day-observation in different area where elder citizens may go and after interviewing with 20 elder citizens between 45-60, and sending questionnaire to 70 people to prove, I found that the new generation of elder citizens are more concerned about enjoying their lives, however, park can't satisfy their need, though in China most people who go to parks are elder citizens and children. Now they are facing with a serious problem that most people have nowhere to enjoy themselves in the city, they have to go to suburbs to get what they need like natural and quiet enviorment, a place to grow organic things and so on.Their desire to get close to nature can be trace back to 1978 when most people in China were still farmers, they grew up in nature and have beautiful memory with that. Besides, it's also found that they are also eager to make friends with the same hobby.

CHALLENGE:
It's hard to actually talk to elder citizens to get interview in the park while covid19 is still concerning and fraud is everywhere. Luckily, I still manage to make the first one after 3 days, and more followed. I was trapped when I thought of the way to make elder citizens together and make them social with others, but then after communication and observation with some elder citizens, I then realize it may be better to let go and provide them with space and have them make the connections themselves.

ADDED DATE:
2022-04-11 09:26:26

TEAM MEMBERS (1) :

IMAGE CREDITS:
Ze Yang, 2022.

AWARD DETAILS
	Roots Space For Elder Citizens by Ze Yang is Runner-up for A' Design Award in Urban Planning and Urban Design Category, 2022 - 2023. · Read the interview with designer Ze Yang for design Roots here. · Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Ze Yang. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Ze Yang.