RLA Research Collaboration:
“Design for Older-Aged Persons”
Design research is a core thrust of our practice. We seek opportunities to do it in a dedicated way. The rigours of research strengthen our design process and lead us to original ways of thinking that ultimately benefit our clients.
We were extensively involved on Lekker Architects’ team to research how built environments can be friendlier to older-aged persons. This was part of an ambitious multi-institution / multi-disciplinary study led by the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (SUTD), commissioned by the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) strategic research unit, and funded by Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF).
The insights we uncovered were both common-sensical and a revelation. Many seniors in our study site in Macpherson Estate felt socially isolated. We realized that these seniors chose to stay home because it felt dangerous to go out, given their declining eyesight, cognition and mobility. A short walking distance for active adults like ourselves could feel exhausting to them, not to mention hazards like passing bicycles.
Consequently, they miss out on the benefits of interacting with others outside. Being in a social-support network (i.e. meeting friends regularly) actually improves health and wellness - whether it’s social, mental or physical. This cascades up to the policy level where it has an impact on public health.
The team developed a mobile “kopitiam” (traditional coffee shop) that would go to where these seniors live. The proximity would encourage them to leave home and interact with others. We named it Kam-&-Goh (after “come-and-go”). In Singapore, traditional local beverages and “kopitiam culture” are very attractive to older-aged persons. Their nostalgic associations offer psychological comfort and familiarity. They are also widespread in Singaporean public consciousness.
Our goal was for an imageable intervention that would reduce barriers to participation, seed informal interactions and create social capital. The design re-convened familiar motifs from the kopitiam like mosaic tile patterns, stainless steel shelves, beverages in ceramic local cups and saucers that provide aesthetic familiarity. These were fitted into a European cargobike that was originally meant for last-mile logistic delivery.
With help from resident volunteers, we pilot-tested the idea for a week. The results from the validation survey were mindblowing - with overwhelming majority percentages confirming the design’s success in encouraging older-aged persons to interact in the community. 87.5% of respondents said they interacted with someone new. 79.1% recognised someone familiar. The mobile kopitiam is currently being exhibited at the URA’s “Designing Our Age-Friendly” exhibition from 17 Oct - 31 Dec 2019.
We learnt a lot working on this research project - especially about the skill-sets architects can bring to improve the lives of others - especially if we approach the issue with humility, empathy and curiosity. We also learnt to be comfortable with design outcomes that are not necessarily architectural in a conventional spatial sense.
We’re currently working with Lekker on another research project on design for persons with dementia. We’ll share more on that when it’s officially out. We hope to expand our research work into other projects as we grow unique expertise on ageing-related design.
* *In collaboration with Lekker Architects
Links:
Article on Kam-&-Goh here in Singapore’s Chinese-language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao 联合早报
On the “Innovative Planning & Design of Age-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Singapore” study