Complexo Ikigai: moradia para longevos independentes e centro comunitário intergeracional

Abstract

Population ageing can be witnessed worldwide in the recent decades. This brings forth various issues related to the elderly population. The lack of supportive environments for the development of independent elderly’s capabilities (in that sense, the pursuit and cultivation of their ikigai), ageism, and loneliness are some examples of the challenges faced by this social group. Therefore, by aiming at the protagonism of the independent older person – promoting their healthy aging, autonomy, intergenerational contact and social reintegration – this present work aims to provide theoretical foundations for an architectural design to be developed in the city of Curitiba, the Ikigai Complex: Housing for Independent Seniors and Intergenerational Community Center. To achieve this, in the first instance an exploratory research was conducted regarding the main topics involving the elderly population. Then, it was also sought how architecture can improve the quality of life for the elderly, addressing both the environmental needs to be met and the existing alternative housing options for the elderly outside the family setting. Secondly, some related architectural projects were studied. These studies and theoretical conceptualization, finally, provided the basis for the search for the ideal site for the implementation of the Complex and the formulation of design guidelines for its realization.