Stage 3

Design Statement

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The elderly population of the UK is significantly increasing and therefore most likely to need support. Over the next 20 years the number of people aged 75 and over living alone will increase by over 40%. The biggest issue facing the older generation is loneliness and isolation. Often feeling trapped in their own homes with only the T.V as a source of company. Older people tend to remain in their family homes as this is where they’ll have spent the majority of their lifetime, however as children grow up and spouses unfortunately pass away they are left alone in generally two or three bedroom houses. There is becoming an increasing need for alternative accommodation; however few people wish this to be residential care. There is great value in the unintentional meetings of neighbours and an encouragement of this can help combat the feeling of loneliness and isolation.  This project offers a design solution to this focusing the needs of the elderly residents’ users.

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The “New Gateway” site is located on one of the busiest junctions in the city of Aberdeen, the Holburn roundabout acts as one of the main entrances into the city, with a constant flow of traffic. Housing the elderly residents in such a central location avoids the habit of pushing them towards the outskirts of cities into rural settings. All residents will enter well lit, open areas into secure cores. Most of the ground floor will be reserved for public facilities such as cafes, restaurants, doctor’s surgery and pharmacy as well as and activity spaces encouraging social interacting and providing places for the residents to escape to. The main aim of this project is to create a safe sense of community for the elderly residents, in turn helping to overcome the growing problems with loneliness and keep people social and active. All 25 flats stem off the social spine featuring an irregular shaped corridor, creating an exciting place for the residents to meet. The ability to sit in a warm place and simply watch the outside world provides great comfort and connection between internal and external areas. These highly glazed communal spaces help to provide plenty light and keep the structure open and bright allowing it to benefit from the sun exposure to the south. The proposed development aims to help provide a positive and beneficial living facility, creating a direct impact on the lives of the elderly in Aberdeen.