SITE EXPLORATION
FUTURE PROGRAMMING
The term of ageing in place is explained by Greg Miedema as the concept of “moving only when we want to move and not because our houses are no longer the right fit.”[1] Homes should have the capacity to accommodate the owner throughout their lifetime; thereby conserving resources, maintaining familiarity and context and aiding in establishing stable neighborhoods.[2] Programming for the 37th Street School and adjacent vacant properties will require residential dwellings that accommodate the idea of ageing in place within the context of the Washington Park Neighborhood. This involves planning for and developing housing and surrounding environments that allow residents to live independently, comfortably and easily in the same neighborhood for the greater duration of their life. To meet this objective, all designs features and strategies should follow the standards for Universal Design; “The concept of designing all products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life.”[3] As explained by the book, Independent for Life: Homes and Neighborhoods for an Aging America, Universal Design should strive to meet the following components.
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“Equitable Use: Proper site grading, elevated garage floors, entryway weather protection, no-step entry, low thresholds, wide doorways and walkways, minimum-width hallways with sufficient turn radius, smooth, unobstructed traverses, and reachable circuit breakers. Installation of controls, telephone jacks, computer jacks, electrical outlets, wall switches, alarm systems, lighted doorbell, and wide-angle viewers and/or video monitors at proper height.”[4]
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“Flexibility in Use: Wall blocking to accommodate future needs, grab bars, shower seats, roll in showers, center graded drains, easy-use multidirectional and multifunctional shower controls, transfer access, faucets, vanities, electrical wiring to support medical equipment, and external wiring with easy-access receptacles.”[5]
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“Simple and Intuitive Products: Products with intuitive features with large symbols for ease of reading along with distinctive color contrast.”[6]
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“Perceptible Information: Energy-saving illumination, contrast in flooring, demarking traffic pathways and traffic patterns.”[7]
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“Tolerance for Error: Strategically placed fire extinguishers (especially near the stove) and using materials with no/low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).”[8]
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“Low Physical Effort: Lever type handles for swinging doors, automatic garage, door openers, automatic power door openers (where pragmatic), easy-grip handles for non-swinging doors and cabinets, and automated closet shelving.”[9]
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Size and Space: Full-turn radius of five feet in hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchen and walk in closets. Use of lazy Susan products for corner cabinetry. Increased use of open floor plans.”[10]
Three Scales, Three Phases
Most Washington Park Senior Center elders commented on the importance of maintaining active and social lives as they age. The senior center provides them with a safe environment to connect and socialize through various activities including group meals, woodworking, arts and crafts, musical interest, literary interest, exercising and participating in games such as billiards, cards or checkers. Programming for the 37th Street School will include residential units as well as an activity center to aid in accommodating sociability between elders and establishing connections between seniors and families within the neighborhood. The objective of providing spaces for interaction and socialization is to promote healthy physical activity, increase connectedness between seniors as well as residents within the neighborhood and form a stronger bond between multiple generations.
Building Scale | 37th Street School | Phase One
The 37th Street School facility will be rehabilitated to include independent living units specifically designed for senior citizens. The ground floor and lower level will be developed to accommodate an activity center which will be utilized by both seniors and neighborhood families. The common space will include programming for areas such as; cafeteria/kitchen/dining hall, health check-up, arts and crafts, games, library, fitness/gymnasium, computers, music, woodworking, small business lease, classrooms, community room, auditorium/lecture hall, garden, greenspace and outdoor recreation areas.
Block Scale | Vacant Properties | Phase Two
Due to multiple and consecutive property vacancies within the neighborhood, it may be beneficial to establish new housing or rehabilitated housing in smaller community “pods”. Each “pod” or grouping would consist of three to five homes (new construction or adaptive reuse) that would share common walkways and a common space, but private residences. The common space could include a communal kitchen/dining hall, a communal greenhouse or garden, a communal workshop or skills area, etc., with the objective of establishing greater opportunities for interaction, engagement and strengthening relationships. Newly construction and adapted home should be developed in such a way to accommodate Universal Design standards. New construction should practice modular design strategies and demonstrate flexible and adaptable spaces to accommodate the process of ageing and changing needs.
Neighborhood Scale | Phase Three
To improve walkability within the Washington Park Neighborhood, it will be necessary to consider wayfinding, pedestrian safety, traffic and signage. Upon observing the walkability within the neighborhood, significant issues have been identified related to vehicular traffic, outdoor lighting, pedestrian safety, transit access and access to neighborhood amenities. Solutions may include traffic calming elements, heated walkways in high pedestrian traffic areas (to melt ice and snow), improved street lighting and walkway lighting, increased frequency of transit shelters, and restoration of “corner stores” on Lisbon to facilitate the needs of residents.