Weiqing Hu

Aged Care but Young Minded

The second wave of COVID19 in Victoria has caused catastrophes in the aged care sector with over 120 facility outbreaks and a devastating death toll. The pandemic has brought the aged into the spotlight, along with long-term ignored issues of the Australian aged care system.

With atrocious living environments, socially segregated living states and vulnerable health conditions, the aged has been an under-appreciated demographic group, even though the Australian population is ageing, compromising 15% population over 65 since 2017 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2018). Focusing on the built environment of aged care facilities and its surrounding areas, this project creates a new typology for aged care— an integrated aged care precinct, which promotes a close relationship between the aged and the broader community, especially intergenerational relationships, along with improved living environments, physical and mental health.

Taking Menarock Life Essendon as the site for this new approach, this aged care precinct includes a new public park, an aged day care centre, a dementia private garden and upgraded health services.