A Sustainable Architecture Project for Aging Populations

Shortlisted Entry – Huddle Competition | Designed by Ye Zhijie

Located in a serene urban park in Munich, Germany, this innovative architectural proposal reimagines elderly care facilities through the lens of sustainable architecture for aging populations. Surrounded by lush greenery and well-connected to the city, the site offers an ideal setting for older adults to thrive both physically and socially.

The design carves into the park’s green terrain, using subtraction techniques within property lines to generate a structure that is both harmonious with the landscape and functionally rich. The resulting architecture integrates seamlessly into the environment, offering a low-impact, green-roofed building that promotes biodiversity and environmental consciousness.

Design Investigation and Key Insights

• Private Space & Social Activity: Interviews revealed that elderly individuals prioritize personal space but remain eager to engage in shared hobbies and activities, particularly when these align with their interests and backgrounds. The architecture responds with a balanced mix of communal and intimate zones.
• Mobility & Gardening Opportunities: Many residents expressed a desire to walk and garden, though mobility issues limit their range. The design ensures accessibility, integrates raised garden beds, and offers scenic walking paths—encouraging movement and connection with nature.
• Communication Across Generations: Though open to interactions with younger generations, the elderly often lack structured opportunities for intergenerational exchange. This facility incorporates public activity spaces and communal courtyards to bridge that gap, promoting interaction between residents, families, and the wider community.

Architectural Features

• A public-facing green roof doubles as a recreational and therapeutic landscape.
• A sunken exhibition hall and a cozy coffee shop encourage interaction and host events.
• Outdoor platforms and rest zones offer tranquil views and social nooks.
• The form is generated through iterative optimization: from the original grassland site to the final angular block, shaped for function, flow, and ecological synergy.

This project "Based on the study of public activity Spaces for the elderly "is a standout example of how sustainable architecture for aging populations can transform conventional senior care environments into dignified, engaging, and ecologically responsible spaces. Ye Zhijie’s concept offers more than shelter—it fosters community, autonomy, and well-being in the later stages of life.