Living “Heterotopias”: The Gojikara Mura© Settings

Landi, D

Abstract

People are living longer and being old is becoming the norm but the potential of acquiring a long-term condition such as dementia is increasing. The societal viewpoint has started to conceptualise the aging population phenomenon as an impending social and economic burden due to a growing demand for high dependency and high cost services. To challenge this concept there is a necessity for a care model change focusing on the older adult’s mental and physical well-being. Architecturally this type of change requires a shift in the way care provision is designed. An exemplar is the Gojikara Mura setting in Nagakute (Japan). This multigenerational community not only accommodates older adults but also their families and visitors. The analysis of this approach is based on a one-time post-occupancy evaluation framework: the ‘thinking, making and living’ method reveals the urban typology of this setting capable to generate “heterotopias.” Diversity becomes the main medium for the production of the system’s relationships and interactions. In addition, new patterns of an inclusive care emerge through the participatory and seamless collaboration of residents, their families, volunteers, and healthcare providers. Consequently, these together with a new design model are having the effect of normalising ageing while at the same time reducing personal and social stigma.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (Published)
• Conference Name: 5th International Conference on Architecture and Built Environment
• Start Date: May 22, 2018
• End Date: May 24, 2018
• Acceptance Date: May 24, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Jul 11, 2018
• Publication Date: Jul 11, 2018
• Deposit Date: Mar 7, 2020
• Pages: 431-452
• Book Title: 5th International Conference on Architecture and Built Environment S.ARCH.
• ISBN: 978-3-9818275-9-0
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/5628073