CHAPTER 6: INFERENCES AND CONCLUSIONS

6.1 Inferences

The analysis from the literature reviews and case studies enabled to achieve various components of design guidelines that can be incorporated effectively to evolve geriatric friendly urban open spaces in Kerala. The identified components are Basic planning – A geriatric friendly design starts right from the planning stage by evolving a simplified and coherent open space design.

 The space should be easily perceivable from all sides to avoid confusion, proper signages at turnings and markings in pathways are also necessary

 . The open space should be made interesting with landmark elements or with play of colors or textures to enhance the quality and mark boundaries

 The pathways maybe looped if possible since elderly people tends to forget routes and multiple entrances are not recommended.

 Visual contrast should be maintained for creating legible spaces, this can be accommodated by change in textures or colours.

– Imparting a connection with the natural habitat of the locality can aid in creating a multisensory experience for the elderly people.

 Incorporating the natural habitat into open space design has great effect on geriatric people creating soothing and calm feeling.

 Birds/butterflies can be involved in open spaces for the soothing noise effect known to relieve stresses.

Birds/butterflies for soothing

 Vegetation can also be designed properly as a barrier for views/noise effectively thereby creating peaceful atmosphere for the elderly.

 As reports state certain variety of plants can evoke memories in the minds of aged people this strategy can be utilized to create gardens with a mix of planting.

 Water elements for a peaceful setting can aid as meditation spaces also

Infrastructure – Another important aspect to be considered in age inclusive open space is the provision for proper infrastructure. Amenities such as public toilets and water fountains encourage people to spend time in public areas.

 Proper seating at intervals of minimum 50 meters should be provided according to standards.

 Ergonomic seating with high armrests and proper backrests for aiding aged people while sitting and getting up.

 Well laid out pathways with proper edging and demarcations are necessary

– Most aged people lookout for a company or someone to have a conversation with, this has to be managed by providing active zones that keeps them

 Designing seating spaces as interaction zones for engagement with people and activities

 Provision of children’s play area adjacent to elderly zones can improve interaction levels

Intergenerational activity zone

 Senior friendly activities such as potting plants can be involved if possible.

 Designing meditation zones or physical activity areas can allow for aged group of people to engage in activities together.

One of the main concerns for aged people in public spaces is their safety. This can be taken care of with CCTV provisions and helpline desk if possible.

 A clear and legible space layout that can be easily perceived by the elderly is preferred

 The line of sight shouldn’t be broken, if possible, to create an extroverted and safe feeling

 Providing with continuous lighting at intervals can create an active space throughout nights and keep public areas lively.

A community’s environment greatly supports and influence the health and wellbeing of its users and envisage active ageing. The research was conducted to understand the elements that make a space age inclusive and user friendly for elderly who are the prime and vital resources of a society. Results from the conducted case studies and interviews derived a set of guidelines that can be followed by urban planners and designers to create more comprehensible, manageable and meaningful inclusive environments for better living quality and standards. Enriching the open space character thereby can improve the health and wellbeing of geriatric community by fostering interactions and encouraging them to spend more time in open spaces thereby evolving a vigorous and healthy community.

References

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 Faragallah, R. N. (2018). The impact of productive open spaces on urban sustainability: The case of El Mansheya Square – Alexandria. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 57(4), 3969–3976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2018.02.008

 Increasing inclusivity: Designing age-friendly communities. (n.d.).

 Manoj Kumar Kini, A. (2014). The need for pluralistic spaces in the contemporary individualistic world Special focus on Kerala context. http://www.ijser.org

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HIGHLIGHTING KOZHIKODE BEACH.

 Sarkissian, W., & Stenberg, B. (n.d.). Guidelines for Planning for Older People in Public Open Space. www.sarkissian.com.au https://doi.org/10.2747/0272-3638.33.8.1089

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 STATE URBANISATION REPORT KERALA STATE URBANISATION REPORT https://doi.org/10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2010.08.015 https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20197901009 https://doi.org/10.3390/su10103678

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 Wang, Z., & Lee, C. (2010). Site and neighborhood environments for walking among older adults. Health & Place, 16(6), 1268–1279.

 WHO. (2007). Global Age-friendly Cities: a Guide. World Health Organization.

 Yang, J., Zhang, F., & Shi, B. (2019). Analysis of Open Space Types in Urban Centers Based on Functional Features. E3S Web of Conferences, 79.

 Zhai, Y., Li, K., & Liu, J. (2018a). A conceptual guideline to age-friendly outdoor space development in China: How do Chinese seniors use the urban comprehensive park? A focus on time, place, and activities. Sustainability (Switzerland), 10(10).

 Archana Ravi. (2018). Elder friendly parks soon in Thiruvananthapuram. Deccan Chronicle

 Harbor Regional Fitness Park. (n.d.). Gametime. from https://www.gametime.com/projects/harbor-regional-fitness-park

 https://www.oldagesolutions.org/facility/demographic-trends/

 Binu Karunakaran. (2019). Kochi is growing at fast pace but with less than 0.5% of allocated open space | Kochi News - Times of India.

APPENDIX

Appendix A: Questionnaire for in person interview

1. Age?

2. Purpose of the visit?

3. How often do you visit the place and time spend there?