As it is proven that a certain amount of openess can help to promote pro-social behaviour between the younger and older generation, when one step into Hangout Community Cafe, they would be able to get a clear view of the three main spaces- pantry, mini indoor garden/seating area and art display area. These spaces does not only promote independence within elderly but aims to create a bond between the old and young.
Hangout Community Cafe aims to promote independence within elderly patients as well as the community. The pantry area is a self-service area which allow users to prepare snacks. The fixtures are designed with rounded edges to prevent both elderly and kids from accidents. Ergonomics of the long island table and cabinet allows for wheelchair users to carry out their own tasks as well. In the pantry area, smaller floor tiles and green wall has been fitted to alert users of transition in space.
When arts and crafts sessions are held in the nursing home, the art work of an elderly is often being kept and not display out. With an art display area, art work of elderly patients can be displayed, allowing their friends and family to view it. In addition, such display can help to instill sense of pride and achievement in an elderly patient. The art display area has fixtures that are suitable for both ambulant and wheelchair patients. Additional seating has been placed to allow for the comm
As it is proven that a certain amount of openess can help to promote pro-social behaviour between the younger and older generation, when one step into Hangout Community Cafe, they would be able to get a clear view of the three main spaces- pantry, mini indoor garden/seating area and art display area. These spaces does not only promote independence within elderly but aims to create a bond between the old and young.
Hangout Community Cafe
Health by Design requires a detailed interior design concept proposal for the refurbishment of the multi-purpose hall in Thye Hua Kwan Nursing Home Limited. The refurbishment requires the multi-purpose hall to become an air-conditioned community cafe. The community cafe will help to promote social interaction between patients, neighbourhood residents and students of Monfort Junior school.
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In a nursing home, elderly patients are accompanied by volunteers or nurses when they do activities. This is to ensure the patients are well taken care of while doing those activities. However, it might affect the sense of independence in an elderly, causing them to feel emotionally weaker than they already are. Instead of focusing on the fact that the elderly is ageing and getting weaker, the design aim is to make use of the remaining strength elderly currently have, by promoting independence in the space. While the design strategy is to create activities that allow them to instill independence while interacting with the neighborhood residents and students.
