architecture
FALL 2012 - SUMMER 2013
University Integrated Retirement Community
Architectural Thesis, Carbondale IL
An Architectural Strategy for the Aging Baby Boomer
"It is often said that the value and meaning of civilization can be documented from the record it leaves in the form of architecture, and that the true measure of compassion and civility of a society lies in how well it treats frail older people"
Regnier, 1994
The baby boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964) has begun to redefine what it means to grow older. This populated generation has impacted and continues to alter society colossally. Compared with their parents, baby boomers are healthier, better educated and living well into their 80’s and beyond. This increase in lifespan has given baby boomers the chance to reinvent themselves and pursue new passions later in life . The existing structure of traditional retirement care, which separates the elderly from their community for assisted healthcare, may no longer be a desirable option for the baby boomers.
The purpose of this thesis is to create an architectural strategy that addresses the needs and demands of the baby boomers. This thesis examines how universities and retirement communities, when paired together, will aid in providing this new alternative for retirement for the next generation.
The result is an architectural analysis that redefines the way we design for the baby boomer generation; a strategy centered on an environment for baby boomers to energize their minds, their bodies, and their individuality. This thesis will also explore how multi-generational living promotes an integrated living environment, connecting multiple communities together.
Two different sites were studied for possible locations for the University Integrated Retirement Community. Location one was the site chosen for the final project. This location was selected over location two due to it being located away from the railroad tracks and it's close proximity to the hospital and community neighborhoods.
Site Views
A site analysis was done on the desired site views. Images were taken from the perimeter of the site looking out into the campus lake. The images below correspond to the cones of visions numbered on the map.
Paths of Circulation
A site analysis was done on the most used paths of circulation. This data was collected from personal knowledge of walking the campus and observational studies. The pink lines represent pedestrian traffic and the orange lines represent vehicle traffic. The site, outlined with a black dashed line, is clearly disconnected from the university.
Site & University Connection
A site analysis was done on the connection the site has to the university. Existing conditions shows only one entrance to the site from the university. Each building on campus used by the residents of the site are highlighted. Then the distance from each of the highlighted building to the entrance of the site is measured. The data shows that the site is not only disconnected from the university, but is a far walking distance from each highlighted amenity building.
New Connections
Once the data showed that the site was disconnected from the university, it was clear a new path had to be created to create integration. This new path cuts direcly through campus lake creating a more direct and interesting route to campus. Designing this new path decreases the amount of time it takes to reach campus and the various amenities the university and site will share. The new path cuts into the campus lake to bring the user at eye level. The bridge has areas that extude from the main walkway to allow for users to observe, fish, or gather.
Intersections
This diagram represents the areas of interests between university students (green dots), retired residents (dark blue dots), childern/teens (orange dots), and the general public (light blue dots). This intersections begin to explain how the entire site is used and by who. One of the main focuses for the University Integrated Retirement Community was to integrate the site with Southern Illinois University and the Carbondale community by creating various amenties on site. Adding various amenities to the site such as an university bookstore, teen center, child development center, clinic, cafe, physical, education center, etc, allows for interaction among many different types of people and ages.
