Description

Background:

As a consequence of demographic ageing in Poland, there is an increasing popularity of older people living alone, also called “singularisation of old age” (Mazurek et al., 2020). This shift presents a growing challenge for municipal and state authorities with increasing pressure to design social policies that effectively meet the complex needs of older adults. Long-term care for the elderly in Poland is scattered across various financial and provision systems, including the health care system, the social care system, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These services include: in-patient, out-patient, and at individuals' homes. Historically, informal long-term care provided by family members or friends has been the most common form of supporting older people in Poland, as it is seen as the most cost-effective (Mazurek et al., 2020). However, informal home-based care may soon become insufficient to provide the best support for older people. Another form of supporting the elderly is through day care centres, which aim to provide a “third place” for older people that live in their own homes and don’t require in patient care. The support mentioned above is provided through activities like physical or occupational therapy, usually adjusted to attendees' needs, social clubs, outings, outdoor activities or participation in cultural events. Based on a support model from Italy, day care centres should incorporate categories of service, action and activity. For instance: welfare service, specialist welfare, care and hygiene services, supportive actions, preventative services and others  (Mazurek et al., 2020).

“The day care centres in Poland should enable them to participate, interact with peers and have a sense of contribution to the community” (Mazurek et al., 2020). The current Programme of Social Activity and Integration of Older People for 2021-2025 is aimed at residents of the City of Kraków who have reached the age of 60. This programme includes a network of “active senior centres” (World Health Organization, 2023). As indicated above, such centres help older people maintain their social connections and psychological vitality by building supportive social networks without the burden being put solely on at-home care givers. Research suggests that day care centre attendance can lessen loneliness in older adults with limited independence (Iecovich & Biderman, 2012). Additionally, project initiatives could be realised in day care centres, for example intergenerational integration as a mode of transferring values with mutual support groups and collaborations with students (Rumińska-Szalska, 2020).

A study of the needs of people that attend a day care centre found that almost half of the participants indicated the need for company as the main reason to attend a day care centre which suggests the need for social activation. Furthermore, a number of people provided comments on the practical aspect of the functioning of day care centres and unmet needs, such as “not enough places to sit, majority of people have their own fixed places and there are not enough of them for newcomers”, providing insight into the design needs (Mazurek et al., 2020).

Moreover, comparing outcomes across different day care centres remains challenging due to the absence of standardized guidelines for their operation. The lack of consistent service frameworks not only complicates evaluation but also highlights the broader issue of insufficient legislation and the absence of detailed recommendations for these facilities.

The project:

The idea of the project includes the concept for an Elderly day centre along with its surroundings in Krakow, Poland. It is designed to serve as a welcoming, inclusive space that supports both the elderly along with the wider community. The design aims to integrate the building into the city’s existing fabric through the implementation of new public spaces that connect to the existing public spaces in the district. These spaces promote social interaction, an active lifestyle, accessibility and comfort for users. The centre is situated in a central area of the district and city, therefore aiming to create a vibrant community hub. 

For the urban design around this centre, the public spaces at the north side of the plot reimagines the area with a water feature, greenery and seating that connects with a path to other public spaces. The access road that almost encircles the plot from the south side, allows for the entrance into the parking lot and has been transformed into a woonerf street with a focus on pedestrian access. 

The architectural layout of the volumes includes a dominant feature which serves as orientation point as the highest point within the centre. The volumes create an exterior courtyard and many shaded exterior spaces which are to enable for active frontage with purposeful activities. The flow of circulation from the lowest point to the highest is provided by accessible routes, creating a meaningful experience which guides the user through a series of spaces on the way. The environment aims to offer a restorative atmosphere by connecting various green spaces to create new nodes of public activity. Within the Wesoła district there are numerous important spaces of greenery and the centre establishes the continuation of this network with a greenhouse and rooftop gardens. Within the centre, a programme has been created for the functioning which includes: rest spaces, activity spaces and educational spaces for the elderly. Flexible rooms and multi purpose hall allow for the opportunity to host events and gatherings for the community.