8.2 CONCLUSION

8.2 CONCLUSION:

During this mini-dissertation, I realised the great value that the elderly have in terms of stories, history, skills, culture, and knowledge. Society should embrace the elderly during their retirement rather than exclude them from society.

This mini-dissertation displays a conceptual development of an idealistic design strategy that could be used in various contexts throughout the world. By using Jane Jacobs’ urban design principles, Pieter Ciemitis’ public space principles, and Alexander, et al.’s pattern language, architects have the power to create a design strategy that could reshape the current retirement landscape in South Africa. By integrating the public into facilities typically seen as medical institutions, architects can close the segregated rift between the younger and older generations and create community and connections where the elderly reside. I hope that by creating meaningful connections between the elderly and the surrounding context, this proposed design strategy could aid in the ongoing battle against poor mental health and abandonment currently experienced by the elderly population in South Africa and globally.

Although this mini-dissertation could possibly be expanded given more time, I hope to contribute to the cause and one day help reshape the retirement landscape for future generations.

REFERENCES:

LIST OF FIGURES

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