INTERGENERATIONAL Health-Oriented Community Development for Increasing Older Adult Populations
Millions of People
100
65+
Rapidly Growing Older Adult (65+) Population
80
In the next few decades, projections show a widespread demographic shift in which older adults will constitute a much larger proportion of the general population. This is largely due to the aging of the baby boomer cohort, as well as improved understandings in healthcare and medical treatment.
60 40
85+
20 0
1900
1920
1940
1960
1980
2000
2020
2040
2060
Years
Negative societal attitudes towards aging manifest in the ways older adult health is spatially addressed, resulting in worsened long-term health outcomes.
Ageism
Inadequate Care Infrastructure
Isolation and Separation
Beliefs, attitudes, and actions that constitute discrimination based on chronological age. While there is no single defined cause, ageism is sometimes attributed to a subconscious fear of reminders of mortality.
The rapid increase in older adult populations threatens to soon surpass the current capacity of care facilities and infrastructure. This is largely due to a current focus on reactive treatment, rather than proactive preventative approaches.
In many older adult care facilities, residents are secluded and rendered societally invisible. This leads to worsened mental health for both residents and their families, and is not conducive to a dignified aging process.
INTERGENERATIONAL Health-Oriented Community Development for Increasing Older Adult Populations
SIMPLIFIED TRADITIONAL MODEL
INTERGENERATIONAL MODEL
Older adults are kept invisible, isolated, and hidden, and senior living facilities function largely as islands - separated physically and culturally from the rest of society.
By providing spaces that facilitate intergenerational interaction and relationship building, benefits can be derived for both older adults and younger individuals.
Public
Private
Public
Combined
Family Members
Family Members
Youths
Youths
Older Adults
General Population
Medical Professionals
General Population
Private
Intergenerational Spaces
Caregivers
Medical Professionals
Young Families
Caregivers
Older Adults
CONCEPT Centered on principles of intergenerational development and health-oriented landscapes, the San Gabriel Intergenerational Neighborhood seeks to improve health outcomes and change the perception of older adult care.
PROJECT GOALS
Physical Health
Mental Health
Social Health
Environmental Health
Improve the physical health of older adults and members of the surrounding community.
Promote mental health improvements for project residents, caregivers, and family members.
Facilitate strengthening of social health for both older adults and youths.
Revitalize the environmental health and ecological function of the project site.
SITE INVENTORY
Local Circulation
Project Location, Context, and Images
e ar Av Del M Lon gde n
Pasadena
San Gabriel ~10 miles
~25 miles
Project Site
Ave
Water towers at the north end of the site.
Junipero Serra Dr
Sa rm osa
He
Dr
Los Angeles La s
East Los Angeles
major road 4-6 lanes, heavy traffic
minor road 2 lanes, moderate traffic
Tu n
as
lvd
el B
bri n Ga
Dr
proposed bike lane
bus stop
Southern entrance to the existing main building.
Walkability and Resources
Project Site Project Site
Channelized stream with flow from a heavy rain.
The selected site is the current San Gabriel Country Club and Golf Course, in San Gabriel, CA. Despite being one of the largest open spaces in the immediate vicinity, it is essentially inaccessible to the community that surrounds it, and does not directly serve the larger majority of San Gabriel residents.
2022 Projected Percentage Population Over 65 < 1%
> 90%
5 min walk
education center
religious center
grocery store
10 min walk
healthcare + safety
15 min walk
economic corridor
Southwestern corner with heavily layered screening.
SITE INVENTORY Demographics and Opportunities
Site Opportunities
Age Distribution
Economic Corridor:
native-born median age:
16%
18%
foreign-born median age:
population median age:
25
of the total population is under 18 years old
50
41
of the total population is over 65 years old
bus routes, restaurants, and shopping centers.
Hydrology:
2,902’
long section of the Rubio Wash.
Sum of current wash sections in public open space is only 2,388,’ out of a total of 26,765’.
12%
8%
% of total population
4%
% of population that is foreign-born
Open Space:
106-acres
representing 3% of the entire city. This would more than double the city’s open space percentage.
% of population that is native-born 0%
5 - 17
<5
18 - 24
25 - 34
35 - 44
45 - 54
55 - 64
65 - 74
75+
Age Range Striking a Pose - 18.5%
Country of Origin
Time of Immigration
%
%
% 10
12
.9%
33
45% 17%
60%
% 62
%
38.9%
Native-Born China, Taiwan Other Asia Southeast Asia Latin America Other
Pets - 2.5%
Out of the top 200 Instagram posts geo-tagged at the site, only
35
Asian Hispanic White Other
Cars - 5.5%
8%
6%
% 12
Site Social Media
Language Spoken
27 .2
Race
25%
Percentage of Population
18.2%
The City of San Gabriel displays an aging population similar to the national trend, with an interesting higher proportion of middle-aged and older adults being from a foreign birthplace.
Pre-1990 1990-99 2000-09 2010+
English Only Chinese Other
33% 30%
were about golf,
and were of special events like weddings. Food - 10.5% The majority of posted uses of the site can still continue without the golf course.
Golf - 33%
Special Events - 30%
DESIGN PROCESS Iterative Exploration of Spatial Relationships and Form
Strong Positive Positive
Goal 1 Improve the physical health of older adults and members of the surrounding community.
Goal 2 Promote mental health improvements for project residents, caregivers, and family members.
Goal 3 Facilitate the strengthening of social health for both older adults and youths.
Goal 4 Revitalize the environmental health and ecological function of the project site.
ADA Circulation System Community Access Points Restrooms Water Features Dog Park Exercise Areas Resting Areas Playgrounds Holistic Play Areas Ecological Restoration Memory Care Garden Hospice Garden Therapeutic Gardens Caregiver Rest Spaces Therapy Spaces Labyrinth Independent Units Co-Housing Units Assisted Living Units Memory Care Units Skilled Nursing Units Hospice Units Pharmacy Grocery Store Other Retail Parking Lots Community Center Day Care Handrails/Guardrails Accessible Seating Intergenerational Play Light Transitions Path Traction Path Accessibility Passing Areas Sun Protection Lighting Distance Markers Movable Seating Personal Garden Plots Path Buffer Sensory Experiences Drinking Fountains Planter Height Open Lawn Picnic Gathering Gateway Signage Coded Tactile Cues Transparent Fencing Emergency Phone Boxes Transit Stops Seating Arrangements Landmarks Lending Library Bulletin Boards Game Tables
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85 +
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35 -6 5
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Design Elements
ea
Other
36
Mobility
02
Age Group
to dd le
rs
ch i
ld ho od
Alignment Between Design Elements and User Groups
ld ho od
t
DESIGN ANALYTICS MATRIX
DESIGN PROCESS Iterative Exploration of Spatial Relationships and Form
MASTER PLAN
0’
175’
350’
Overview of Project and Phasing
Phase 1
Main Intergenerational Development
Phase 2
Continuing Care Retirement Community
Phase 3
Connection to Economic Corridor
CIRCULATION
UNIT TYPES
Main Paths and Concept
Mixed-Use Independent Living
‘Stitching together generational gaps.’
Senior-oriented retail combined with both independent senior living units and general units.
Main circulation routes with a width of 20 feet. Large curves help with ease of mobility for individuals with mobility challenges. Axial layout allows residents to orient themselves easily.
Relationship with nature and open space is fairly active and readily blends with exterior spaces.
Emergency Access Routes
Co-Housing Clusters
Ambulance-accessible routes, width of 20 feet. Typically automobileinaccessible and blocked off with retractable bollards for pedestrian safety. Direct access to higher-risk residential unit types.
Groups of independent home-style units around central courtyards. Open to independent seniors and young families.
Outdoor Exercise + Learning
Assisted Living
Outdoor intergenerational exercise spaces and nature-oriented learning. Large loop encompasses full length of the site, while shorter loop options provide choice and accessibility.
For seniors with low-to-medium care needs, transition to slightly higher amounts of security and enclosure.
Seasonal Nature Trails
Memory Care Units
Central trails in the interior of the restoration corridor. Seasonally flooded during the rain period, provides immersive natural experiences for the remainder of the year.
Units for individuals with Alzheimer’s and/ or dementia, as well as partners. Circular path layout with planting focused on resident safety.
Community Access Points
Long-Term Skilled Nursing and Hospice
Major and minor points of access to the site from the surrounding community. Highly porous exterior edges help to draw in community members and promote the development as a hub for community activity.
Active relationship with nature, development of intergenerational social capital in the landscape.
Mix of active and passive relationship with nature and outdoor spaces, provision for increased mobility assistance needs in the landscape.
Within safely enclosed interior, mix of active/passive relationship with nature based on stage of Alzheimer’s/dementia.
Long-term, higher care need units, as well as end-of-life accommodations. Fragrant planting & sensory stimulation. Transition to a more passive-oriented relationship with outdoor spaces, but with consisted direct visual access.
THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES Design Principles for Developing Intergenerational Communities
Choice A sense of control is important for positive mental health outcomes, in both older adults and the general population. Provision of options for decision-making.
Flexibility Multi-purpose spaces lend themselves to an environment of open evolution, helping create a dynamic experience that has the capacity for a variety of program elements.
Intergenerational Theory (Karen VanderVen, 2004) Social-psychological theory stating that integration of older adults with the rest of society results in both older adult health improvements as well as improved overall societal health and wellbeing.
Visibility Visibility into and out of spaces improves a sense of safety while also allowing for personal evaluation of intergenerational interaction options.
Layering Enmeshing programmatic elements with synergistic effects for varying age groups increases the capacity for intergenerational interaction and social relationship-building.
Therapeutic Landscapes
Principles of Intergenerational Design
(Clare Marcus & Naomi Sachs, 2013) Health outcomes for patients can be drastically improved through proximity and interaction with person-centered green spaces.
Universal Design (Ian Dillon & Jared Green, 2019) Principles of design that surpass the minimums set by ADA requirements. Focuses on disabilities, aging, mobility, community access, and other disorders and disabilities.
Meaningfulness Spaces and activities that provide opportunities for understanding of shared experiences and emotional connections can help in bridging the age barrier.
Privacy Creation of a balance between public and private spaces promotes comfortability and choice within the community. Through distinct programmed understandings of space, mental and physical health is supported.
Safety + Accessibility Design considerations for the safety and accessibility of older adults also are applicable to other population groups, such as pregnant individuals, parents with young children, and people with disabilities.
Connection While traditional senior living communities are often isolated and function largely independently of their context, intergenerational development relies heavily on walkability and community access. The pedestrian experience is prioritized.
DESIGN DETAIL DIAGRAMS Element-Scale Interventions for Intergenerational Community Development Choice
1. Handrails/ Guardrails
Flexibility
Visibility
Layering
Meaningfulness
Privacy
Safety/Accessibility
Connection
2. Path Traction
3. Lighting
4. Path Buffer
5. Open Lawn
textured paving material for slip resistance
sufficient night lighting along paths and spaces, not directly into units
separation between private and public walkways
multipurpose open lawn areas for shifting programs
9. Path Accessibility
10. Distance Markers
12. Picnic Gathering
8’ minimum width 2% maximum slope
wayfinding signage and distance markers at 1/4 mi intervals
11. Sensory Experiences
16. Passing Areas
17. Movable Seating
exercise and play equipment for seniors and children
rest stops with seating at 25’ intervals on main path
promotion of sense of choice through alterable seating arrangements
22. Light Transitions
23. Sun Protection
shaded adjustment moment at building entry
seating areas have sun protection for thermal control
24. Personal Garden Plots
height 32” & 26” diameter 2.75”
8. Accessible Seating wheelchairaccommodating group seating options
15. Intergenerational Play
individual gardening boxes for residents
tactile, olfactory, and auditory stimulation
18. Drinking Fountains universally accessible drinking fountains
25. Planter Height 32-48” for semiambulant 25-35” for wheelchair
varied sizes of paved gathering spaces with seating options
6. Transparent Fencing clear paneling for visibility in areas with security concerns
13. Emergency Phone Boxes
7. Landmarks culturally significant sculptures and landmarks for wayfinding and play
14. Lending Library
clearly visible call boxes for emergency assistance
book exchange boxes for intergenerational cultural interaction
19. Gateway Signage
20. Transit Stops
21. Bulletin Boards
major access point designation with cultural significance
bus stops for connection to surrounding communities
spaces for informational flyers and announcements
26. Coded Tactile Cues
27. Seating Arrangements
28. Game Tables
material changes and braille plates for non-sight-based experience
90-degree orientation for ease of communication and visibility
activity areas specialized for outdoor board games
PHASE 1 SITE PLAN
0’
60’
120’
Main Intergenerational Development
20
A 24
C F2
D
C
28
G
C
11 D
F1
1 5 B
21
19
12
1
Handrails / Guardrails
5
Open Lawn
6
Transparent Fencing
7
Landmarks
11
Sensory Experiences
14
Lending Library
15
Intergenerational Play
17
Movable Seating
18
Drinking Fountains
19
Gateway Signage
20
Transit Stops
21
Bulletin Boards
24
Personal Garden Plots
28
Game Tables
A
Maintenance Area
B
Caregiver Sanctuary
C
Co-Housing Cluster
D
Therapeutic Gardens
E
Day Care
F
Settling Ponds
G
Mixed-Use Retail
H
Memory Care Units
F 17
G
C 7
15 H 18
6
E
14
D
seasonal changes
visual screen water feature
filtered light tactile stimulation
FOCUS AREA 1 - CAREGIVER SANCTUARY Provision of Separate Therapeutic Space for Care Providers
light transitions
mural planter boxes open lawn permeable paving
FOCUS AREA 2 - CO-HOUSING COURTYARD Outdoor Spaces for Developing Intergenerational Community Connections
PHASE 2 SITE PLAN
0’
75’
PHASE 3 SITE PLAN
150’
Continuing Care Retirement Community
A
C
B
6 A’
4
24
Path Buffer
5
Open Lawn
6
Transparent Fencing
7
Landmarks
7
Landmarks
8
Accessible Seating
10
Distance Markers
11
Sensory Experiences
11
Sensory Experiences
16
Passing Areas
12
Picnic Gathering
17
Movable Seating
15
Intergenerational Play
19
Gateway Signage
24
Personal Garden Plots
20
Transit Stops
26
Coded Tactile Cues
21
Bulletin Boards
24
Personal Garden Plots
A
Intergenerational Playground
B
Bioswale
C
Co-Housing Cluster
D
Event Lawn
11
E
11
28
B
B F3
150’
4
B’
D
75’
Connection to Economic Corridor
26
A
0’
C 24
A 10
7
12 F
7 G J
H 15 K
I
A
Assisted Living Units
B
Seasonal Nature Trails
C
Memory Care Units
D
Therapeutic Garden
E
Skilled Nursing Units
F
Hospice Units
G
Settling Ponds
H
Dog Park
I
Administrative Offices
J
Emergency Vehicle Access
E
Mixed-Use Retail
K
Water Feature
F
Community Center
5
8
D
E
17
16
F
21 20
19
SECTION A - A’
0’
5’
10’
Transect Across Community Central Corridor Assisted Living Residential Units
Day Care and Children’s Center
Housing and care for older adults with greater assistive needs than independent living accommodations.
Co-Housing Unit Clusters
Supervision and care for children, indoor and outdoor learning areas, traditional and holistic play areas.
Independent senior living and individual units for young families arranged around central courtyards.
ADA accessibility along all main circulation routes promotes an inclusive and safe experience for all.
Trees provide a softer light quality transition from indoors to outdoors, screen from the main path for privacy, and contribute to carbon sequestration.
Flowering trees and trees with fall color provide seasonal interest and show the passage of time.
Elevated walks cross over and interject into the corridor for immersive nature experiences.
Multiple path options allow for a sense of control while providing opportunities for a variety of activities.
During the dry season, the river channel acts as a nature corridor with access to trails.
Visual and direct physical connection from residential units to outdoor spaces.
Transitional/ Circulation
24
4
Personal Garden Plots
Privacy Setback
15 Main Path
Planting Groups Wildlife Attraction
Planting Group 1
Tactile Stimulation
Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak
Arctostaphylos sp. Carpenteria californica Ceanothus sp. Cistus purpureus Eriogonum fasciculatum Garrya elliptica Ribes speciosum Salvia apiana Salvia clevelandii Salvia sonomensis
Pinus canariensis Canary Island Pine Sp.
Su.
Planting Group 2
Planting Group 3
Olfactory Stimulation
Planting Group 1: Oaks and Upper Elevation Vegetation
Shrubs & Groundcovers
The restored river channel is seasonally flooded, providing first-hand education of natural processes.
Outdoor Intergenerational Play + Education Loop
F.
Liquidambar styraciflua Sweet Gum W.
Perennials Artemisia californica Erigeron karvinskianus Lupinus albifrons Penstemon eatonii Penstemon spectabilis Romneya coulteri Sisyrinchium bellum Salvia spathacea
Planting Group 2: Sycamores and Intermediate Elevation Vegetation
x Chitalpa tashkentensis Chitalpa Sp.
Su.
F.
Platanus racemosa California Sycamore W.
Shrubs & Groundcovers Calycanthus occidentalis Carpenteria californica Cercis occidentalis Myrica californica Ribes speciosum Rhamnus californica
Salix lasiolepis Arroyo Willow Sp.
Su.
F.
Planting Group 3: Seasonally Flooded Channel Vegetation
Prunus illicifollia ssp. lyonii Hollyleaf Cherry W.
Perennials & Ferns Carex pansa Carex praegracilis Diplacus aurantiacus Heuchera sp. Iris douglasiana Juncus patens Polypodium californicum Sisyrinchium bellum
Agonis flexuosa Peppermint Tree Sp.
Su.
F.
Sambucus nigra Black Elderberry W.
Perennials Achillea millefolium Aquilegia formosa Carex flacca Carex praegracilis Carex spissa Diplacus aurantiacus Delphinium glaucum Elymus condensatus Festuca glauca
Sp.
Su.
F.
W.
Salix lasiolepis Arroyo Willow
Chondropetalum tectorum Calamagrostis x acutiflora Juncus patens Lepidospartum squamatum Muhlenbergia rigens Rudbeckia californica
Sp.
Su.
F.
W.
ELEVATION B - B’
0’
5’
10’
Summer - Early Fall Existing Section Proposed Section
7 Main Path
ELEVATION B - B’
Sculpture/ Landmark
0’
5’
Education Loop
Nature Trail
Outlook Point
Education Loop
Main Path
Education Loop
Seasonally Flooded
Outlook Point
Education Loop
Main Path
10’
Late Fall - Spring Existing Section Proposed Section
7 Main Path
Sculpture/ Landmark
sun protection
seasonal changes
outdoor therapy
topographic boundary
water feature nature education
FOCUS AREA 3 - THERAPEUTIC GARDEN Application of Healthcare Landscape Design Principles to Public Space
INTERGENERATIONAL Health-Oriented Community Development for Increasing Older Adult Populations