What is active aging?
TWGHs Wo Tin Neighbourhood Elderly Centre is a project that aims to redefine the concept of active aging in Hong Kong. Through workshops conducted with the elderly community, we have gained valuable insights into what truly keeps people active and engaged. Our findings have reinforced the age-old wisdom that friendship plays a vital role in maintaining youthfulness. While providing sports facilities is important, we believe that creating spaces for physical and virtual interaction among friends is even more crucial for the elderly.
How is the Neighbourhood Elderly Centre designed?
The design of our center revolves around the principle of fostering friendship, with each of the 13 rooms carefully planned to encourage physical and virtual interactions. By employing both passive and active design elements, we have created a playful, safe, and interactive environment that enables the elderly to form new friendships. The 4000 square feet space is divided into 13 distinct zones, offering a range of activities from active sports to passive card games. The overall ambiance of the center is designed to be youthful, engaging, and adaptable like a blank canvas.
What is the centre’s specialities?
At the heart of our project is the pantry, where elderly individuals can share their daily meals and special recipes. Additionally, we have equipped the center with high-end gym equipment that incorporates the latest VR and cloud technology, enabling the elderly to track their physical training progress. Moreover, the yoga room, game room, and lobby have been carefully designed to facilitate mutual support among the elderly. They can assist each other in checking blood pressure, engage in casual conversations, or simply enjoy a meal together.
Safety and well-being are also paramount considerations in our design. We have selected materials with recycled content and low carbon footprint to promote sustainability. Furthermore, our distinctive high ceilings create a well-lit environment, reducing the need for excessive lighting consumption. The air conditioning configuration allows for multiple zoning, ensuring that unused areas have reduced air conditioning requirements.
In conclusion, TWGHs Wo Tin Neighbourhood Elderly Centre presents a thoughtful approach to active aging by prioritizing the power of friendship and social interaction. Our design promotes a vibrant and inclusive community where the elderly can connect, engage, and support each other in a safe and sustainable environment.
Credits:
Authorized Person and Project Management: KC Surveyors
Interior Design and Workshop: Avoid Obvious Architects – Vicky Chan, Sam Chan, Karlo Lim, Evan Li
Building Services Engineer: Top Prof M&E Consultants
Contractor: Wadabuild + Guangdong Hopa Joint Venture Limited
Photography: Scott Brooks | Imagennix