Social Architecture: Aging in Community

Epidemiological research has identified that seniors are experiencing isolation – a form of social segregation, leading to negative health outcomes. Ongoing concerns have been expressed about presently unmet housing and housing support needs, in particular affordability, accessibility, and functionality. The socio-economic forecast and unprecedented swell of the senior demographic anticipated in the next three decades will undoubtedly exacerbate conditions. This condition urges consideration for alternative policies and planning options. Architecture is making strides to find innovative design options for seniors housing. Yet alternative housing models, which are being called for, are rarely, if at all, critically discussed. Cohousing is an emerging alternative that offers mutual support and connection – a form of social architecture, as key tenets of the model. This thesis is a speculative enquiry proposing a hybrid housing - blending concepts supportive housing, conventional development and cohousing – that facilitates a social architecture for ‘aging in community’.