resting space for the elderly
conceptual architecture project
Generation gaps lead to the lack of space for the elderly in South Korea, as one can easily infer that the broad generation gap and different trends between the young and elderly cause separation, both in a mental and physical sense.
The call for a space for the elderly is urgent. The status quo requires an established space where generational boundaries are removed. Analyzing diverse usages of the solid-void theory within roofs, balconies, and bridges, the project aims to meet the understated community needs in a spatial context. Conventionally thought to be the symbolic structure of “confinement” or “limits”, the cube presents a shape of boundaries and flawless lines.
concept render: evening view
south korea, an aging population
South Korea has one of the fastest aging populations and the lowest birth rate in the world. The proportion of people aged 65 years and over will reach 20% of the total population. By 2050, this proportion is anticipated to increase to as high as 44%. Many claim the South Korean government should aim to address socio-cultural issues faced by the elderly. This architecture project aims to focus on both the societal and infrastructural facets of the concerns in the generation gap of Korea. While the majority advises heightened medical care towards the aging population, this will take a different approach to health, tackling the mental and cognitive sides of health.
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What are structural inspirations that can be acquired from other buildings?
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How can roof space be effectively used to maximize space and make a more positive environment?
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How can natural ornaments be maximized to blend in with the site?
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What materials should be used for the site, and why are they significant?
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What is a cube? Why is it important to implement symbolism?
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What is the Solid-Void Theory?
theme
The aesthetic theme of this architecture is focused on the concepts of cubes and distorted geometric shapes. The space would attempt to minimize or remove all organic shapes with a thematic aim to represent ‘generation gaps visually’.
Plato theorized that the universe was made of five types of matter and suggested that Earth was made up of cubes. The following ancient theory has currently been proven to be true regarding scientific research. Studies figured that the average shape of rocks on Earth is a cube, aligning with Plato's early hypothesis.
What humanity perceives in the real world is merely an imperfect copy of perfect, abstract counterparts of its actual forms. An example of the theory is what we call a “perfect circle”. In a mathematical context, every single circle seen in one’s lifetime is never perfect. Still, there is an illusion to the concept of a “perfect circle” whenever one is asked to imagine it. Ultimately, forms in the real world are ever-changing and are rather dependent on opinion or perception rather than actual knowledge.
In Freemasonry, the core principles revolve around integrity, friendship, respect, and service. These values form the foundation of the organization and guide members in their interactions and conduct within the group. The principles of Freemasonry emphasize ethical behavior, strong relationships, mutual respect, and serving the community/humanity.
The form of a masonic lodge is a symbolic cube. The cube is symbolic in Freemasonry rituals, representing the shaping, testing, and spiritual development of individuals towards becoming “living stones” in the heavenly temple.
“The perfect cube represents the personality that has had all the unevenness, roughness, and inequality polished away by experience. Such a stone is ready to become a block in the Everlasting House not built by hands but eternal in the heavens.” — Manly P. Hall
In the religious context above, the perfect cube is described or implied to be a certain object of perfection, but also an educative tool for guidance for one to “connect with something larger (McDown).
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Plato’s statement implies the world is in continuous fluctuation, constantly changing according to views and opinions. In an akin approach, each generation, unknowingly, contributes to this limitless variation within reality. In a sense, the cube is the simplest form of matter, as well as the most divergent.
The theme intends to promote a sense of inclusion, the fact that many perceive society in a diverse manner. Reality is interpreted by one’s unique perspective, one entirely different from one from another generation or age. It is important to understand this in a general fashion, as acknowledging such ideas can ultimately lead to understanding and communication between all generations. This concept aims to enforce a feeling of embracing not only the inevitable reach of modern society but also the inclusion of the elderly within changed societal norms.
solid-void theory
“Solid-void theory is the three-dimensional counterpart to figure-ground theory. It holds that the volumetric spaces shaped or implied by the placement of solid objects are as important as, or more important than, the object themselves.” (101 Things I Learned in Architecture School)
The planned site aims to highlight this theory, possibly implementing vast roofs, pillars, or walls to evoke a sense of open, calm space.
Houses for Elderly People
in Alcácer do Sal / Aires Mateus
Credentials (ArchDaily):
Architects: Aires Mateus
Year: 2010
Landscape Architects: ABAP, Luis Alçada Batista
Engineering: Engitarget lda
The infrastructure’s use of cubic structure is highly notable. “The façade of the building is reminiscent of a checkerboard” (Dezeen). These openings are designed to provide shade for the sun; this design combines functionality with aesthetic, resulting in an interesting exterior that is also practical.
Complementing the building, a surrounding landscaped garden has been integrated into the overall project design. This innovative approach ensures that nature is intertwined with the built environment, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Beyond aesthetic value, this feature also allows access to the rooftop of the building from select points within the garden itself. This adds another interactive dimension to the building, offering unique points and opportunities for different experiences. Whether it's a panoramic view of the encompassing area or having to ascend or descend the pathway leading to the top, each offers visual appeal.
The house is an exceptional instance of solid-void theory. The usage of cubed structures and gaps indicate the existence of space, indicated but not imposed in the traditional sense of building walls.
analysis of existing projects
winged roof
The Winged House / K2LD Architects
This private family residence located in Singapore demonstrates its uniqueness in how a roof can be shaped. It consists of rectangles and triangles, fostering a sense of openness to this otherwise private family house, a feature with the potential to be implemented in places that truly require merging with nature and the overall nearby environment.
The initial structure is intentional, as the architecture draws inspiration from its traditional Malay architecture that revolves around the fact of being “climatically responsive to bring comfort to its inhabitants”, a philosophy needed in the present project of overcoming generational gaps and barricades.
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Shape of roof – functionality, sense of space
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Overall structure, space placement of site = traditional inspiration, in accordance with the environment
Angers Saint-Laud Railway Station
(Dietmar Feichtinger Architectes)
The 150-meter-long and eight-meter-wide bridge was created to replace a badly damaged concrete bridge. While steel is incorporated in this site, supporting the bridge, the timber porticoes make up most of the site, at least in vision. The planks, interestingly, are spaced unevenly as they are closer together in the middle and further apart at the two ends of the bridge.
One idea would be to make the bridge (a system for the disabled), have an uneven base to provide a sense of open layout.
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Wheelchair features based on 수동휠체어 (NA-101)
66 x 100 x 90 (cm)
Adobe Brick – Sustainable Architecture Material
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Construction using Adobe Bricks is sustainable and has a low carbon footprint as it does not abuse natural resources.
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Adobe walls are also good sound insulators. (Soothing quietness, blankets loud noises outside)
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Their thermal mass stores heat during the day, thus keeping the room cool. Throughout the evening and night, they slowly release the heat.
bridge
The bridge pile design is majorly inspired by the Angers Saint-Laud Railway Station (Dietmar Feichtinger Architectes).
The fence shows a symmetrical, repetitive design that employs an identical technique showcased in Angers Saint Laud Railway Station. The fence design of the station’s bridge has gaps in between the pillars that grow larger to a certain vertex, then grows smaller. Although not completely loyal to the inspiration, the “piles” of the resting space seem to have a larger gap as the bridge progresses to the right. As briefly explained previously, this design aims to visually emphasize the current occurrence of generational gaps and how we should seek to provide openness and accessibility for all.
The bridge in a functional sense intends to employ the denial and reward method (101 Things I Learnt in Architecture School) in navigating a space. Entering the space at first, pedestrians are denied view of the small green space. In encountering the bridge, there is a spatial separation between the resting plane and the outdoors. In affording a feature of minor enjoyment, the visitors can experience serene dwelling.
