4.4 to 4.7

4.4 Mental and Physical Health

The location of a social welfare centre need to be close to the nature due to the reasons of low traffic flow and noise level. Living in such a quiet and peaceful environment will facilitate healing for the elderly. In the case where residential area is used as the social welfare centre, a garden should be integrated into the centre with the aim of creating a therapeutic environment. According to Christine Joy, Royal Botanic Garden Education Coordinator from Australia, gardens provide the perfect learning space for children of all abilities, interests and learning styles. (Referencing) Moreover, children's physical participation with the natural landscape elements extend to satisfaction and the experience will remain in their memories which is the derivative place of attachment. In brief, natural surroundings are suitable for both the children and elderly to have a more healthy living life.

Fig : Firm RPA Tree House

Fig : Garden - Interactive and explorative Montensorri kindergarten

Apart from that, proper nursing care is very important and services such as body check-up and blood pressure tests have to be done regularly to ensure the health of the residents. So, the role of nurses, doctors and health consultants is very important in maintaining the physical condition of the residents. Areas such as medical rooms, rehabilitation area and meditation room can be provided for the purpose of physical health. Varieties of activities such as yoga classes, physical therapy, weight-lifting etc are encouraged so that the elderly will not too dependent on wheelchair and walking sticks.

Fig : An example of a simple rehabilitation room with full exercises equipments.

Fig : Aisle with handle for movement. Caregivers play an important role in monitoring the elderly to ensure safety.

Additionally, the use of natural material which is environmental friendly promotes health too as the building blends into the nature. Living in the building made out of natural raw materials with natural ventilation and light resource helps to improve the quality of health. Examples include the Soe Ker Tie Orphanage Home at Thailand where bamboos are used as a sustainable material which corresponds with the green living environment of today. Moreover, the various interactive architectural features in the home such as swing of bamboo and ropes outside the unit, opening in the facade for communication purpose and the beds layout that offers both privacy and social interaction in the home provides a fun milieu for the children to learn and grow. Children feel attached to the space and they value it not only for satisfaction of physical needs but for its intrinsic qualities. (Chawla, 1992 p.64)

Fig : Soe Ker Tie Orphanage Home, Thailand

Fig :  Another example of a study room which using natural plywood flooring and furniture.

Fig : An old folks home in ___ with raw materials and colours for the bedroom.

On the other hand, designers should design according to the users' daily routine and understand the storyline of their living lifestyle. For example, the elderly are very forgetful and they tend to forget where they put their belongings after they brush their teeth or take a bath. Hence, a low multipurpose cabinet is advisable to be put near the toilet. Correspondingly, study room for children has to be far away from the living hall and games area to avoid noise because children need to concentrate on studies especially during the examination period. All these solutions suggested are good for mental health of the both generations.

4.5 Education - Positive Learning

Apart from the benefits discussed in Chapter 4.4, living in a natural environment also endorse positive learning for both the elderly and the children. The empirical studies by Fjortort (2004) implicate that kindergarten or hospitals ward should be integrated with the outdoor spaces especially greenery. The building not only acts as an environment for learning or health recovery but also a physical setting that stimulate positive behavior responses. Nature also encourages the development of six senses which stimulate the growth of the young children. Variety of activities such as gardening, exercises and many other outdoor activities give the opportunities for the children to explore, imagine and discover. This is good for the elderly' health as fresh air and natural sunlight also encourage positive emotions. Consequently, the both generations can live, play and learn together. Besides, outdoor spaces also represent freedom which the both generations are looking forward to.

 

Fig : A large area of greenery where children can have various type of activities here, an integration of old folks home and orphanage, Pusat Jagaan Beribuan Kasih, Kajang.

In the condition where extra spaces are given, areas such as painting studio, computer rooms, music room and library can be provided. These areas need to be well designed with sufficient lighting in order to create a lively, bright and fun learning environment for the children. The division of space for the male and female children is important to ensure safety and healthy living environment. In psychology perspective, children like to move around in a circle. Thus, circular shape is being used in the children space, examples are shown in Figures _ & _.

Fig : Circular shape being used in children's play area.

Apart from that, a mini gallery to display the children's artwork is another credit to the space, not only for the children to have the chance to express their creativity, but also for the visitors to enjoy the beauty of their artworks. Furthermore, a mini stage can be provided as well if the space given is sufficient enough. Performances like dancing, singing and story-telling as well as competitions can be organized regularly. This is to develop their talents since young and indirectly makes the children feel being appreciated.

Fig : Mini gallery in an orphanage

4.6 Sense of Contribution

By integrating old folks home together with orphanage, the both generations can contribute and take care of each other, and this will indirectly solve the problem of lack of sense of contribution of the elderly and to increase the sense of responsibility for the children since small. This can be done through the cooperation in carrying out daily activities such as preparing food, cooking and take turn to wash the plates. They are trained to help each other in order to have a proper meal every day. Other than a long-term training for the children in cooperation with others, this is also an opportunity to educate them the importance to respect to the elderly.

Fig : kitchen - two generations preparing food

Other than that, the cooperation of the both generations in maintaining the home's cleanliness is another effort that can be done so that they feel that they are attached to each other. Besides, this is to let the elderly feel that life is meaningful and they are still useful through these daily contribution to their own living environment. In this case, a household timetable can be set and the role of the staffs in monitoring their progression is crucial.

Fig : two generations maintaining the cleanliness of the house / timetable (sketches)

Also, areas such as computer room, study room and library support the idea of contribution where the elderly can share their old stories and experiences to the children while the children can teach the elderly about the computer skills and latest technology as shown in Figures _&_.

Fig : One of the elderly shares his old stories to the child.

Fig : Elderly and child learn computer skills together.

In a nutshell, activities and areas where the both generations can participate together will increase their sense of contribution to each other in order for them to have a closer relationship.

4.7 Social Participation

Exterior design of the home is significant to give the first impression to the public. What's more, a good facade design which is welcoming can strengthen the awareness of community towards the rights and necessaries of the abandoned namely the old folks and the orphans in this case. It is essential to incorporate social participation into every social welfare buildings so that the abandoned believe that they are still being appreciated and welcome by the society. To achieve this, a multipurpose area such as a mini hall or living area is needed for festivals and birthday celebration between the abandoned and the public. 

4.0 to 4.3

4.0 Architectural Solution

The two groups of people namely the elderly and the orphans are having very similar problems including physically which is the existing social welfare buildings’ problems, and also mentally, this includes their inner feelings as mentioned in the previous chapter. Essentially, the two isolated groups of people can live together like a family under supervision and proper nursing care. By integrating old folks home with orphanage, the two generations can gain benefits from each other.

Fig : Two generations live together happily like a family

4.1 Mutual Relationship

Children have the wise role models as mentors in their life while elderly acquire accompaniment from the children. Other than that, children also get protection and guidance from the elderly while the elderly obtain support and respect from the children. Living together brings more happiness, joy, love and care which indirectly reduce the sense of loneliness. Nevertheless, combining the both homes together will also bring some problems but these can be solved by the cooperation from the government, designers, professional and trained staffs. Rational design should be implement to value human life and to make a better world for the abandoned.

4.2 Sense of Belonging

Orphanages and old folks homes are not only simple shelters for the abandoned, but a supporting living environment for them to continue their life. It is essential to create a comfortable, cozy and fitting space as this is the basic necessity for them.

4.2.1 Space Planning and Circulation

The very initial attempt to create such a suitable environment is through the space planning. Both public and private areas should be provided so that the users have the freedom to choose whether to stay in their individual areas or to interact with one another at the common area. They should live in a campus environment where both of them live separately, so that they have the freedom to stay in their own private areas or they can meet at the common area for social interaction. This is to avoid the problems of noise and different living lifestyle of the two generations. (diagram) Furthermore, children spaces need to be divided according to their age groups because they are under different stage of development. If the space given is very limited, partitions can be used to replace private rooms. Besides, modular furniture such as double deckle bed or bunk bed can be used to save space as shown in Fig __.

Fig : Modular beds are used in a kids bedroom to save space

To avoid having a too crowded space, the government plays a very important role to come out with a table stating the ratio of total number of users versus the square feet of a building. This template is to limit the total number of users in a social welfare centre as shown in the table below. This is to ensure that the space given is sufficient for them to carry out daily activities in an easy way in order to improve their impression of fitting into the space.

Example:

Size of the Building (sqft)	No of Staffs (min)	No of Residents (max)
5000	3	16
10000
15000

Table 1: Template to limit the number of residents and staffs within the specific area

A good circulation gives convenience for the users. This improves the flow of movement of the users in the space and give expediency for the users to carry out daily activities in a more efficient way. This includes the consideration of human ergonomics such as wide walkway for the elderly with wheelchair, spacious living area for the children to run around to express themselves and easy accessible for the visitors to enter the reception area. Additionally, simple and direct circulation helps the staffs to reach the users faster in case of any emergency. Fire escape and disability facilities are fundamental as well. The facilities such as the basic fans, water heater, cooking utensils, beds, tables and chairs can be old but they need to be well-maintained and sufficient enough to support the total number of residents in the building.

4.2. Colours

According to the educationalist Rudolph Steiner, colours have a spiritual influence and objective effect on our emotional life as well as benefiting physical health and mental well-being. This shows how important is the selection of colours in a living environment which indirectly affect the behavior of its users. Therefore, effort such as using the suitable wall paint and furniture colours at different areas should be done to create appropriate mood at that particular area in order to have the positive influence to the abandoned. To illustrate this, figures __ show the two different approaches of colours used for the children sleeping and study areas which create different senses and feeling to the space.

Fig : Soft apple green and sea blue radiates warmth and peace, suitable for boys' room.

Fig : Bright orange, light yellow and green create stimulation energy, suitable for a study room.

There is a cycle of changing colours throughout our lives, these are reflected in our changing colour preferences. Therefore, different colours are suitable for people under different age groups. However, softer and muted colours are suitable for both the young children and elderly.

Fig : Bright yellow and striking green express intense energy, suitable for teenagers

Fig : Teenagers love purple when their minds develop social awareness & outward thoughts

One always think that monotone is suitable for the elderly. In fact, variety of colours can boost interest in the world and keep cognitive function alive. Suitable colours need to be well selected so that they are emotionally supporting, physically nourishing and mentally soothing for the elderly.

Fig : Soft shades of greens with plywood creates peaceful environment for the elderly

As a summary, colours should be selected carefully so that the elderly and the children can feel that they are living in a home instead of a public social welfare centre with four plain walls. The sense of belong to the space is being depicted obviously by fitting what colour and what type of interior mood is actually suitable for the users.

4.3 Social Interaction and Communication

By integrating orphanage with old folks home, the two generations can share their knowledge and experiences with each other which indirectly solve the problem of lack of communication. Areas such as public dining area and garden promote interaction with one another as well. Architects and designers should work together to design more interactive areas in the social welfare buildings, for example indoor games room, library, classrooms etc. More activities should be carried out including yoga classes, music performance and festivals celebrations.

4.3.1 Interactive Furniture Design

Undeniably, designers play a very important role to create a better living space for the underprivileged. Modular and interactive furniture should replace the use of loose furniture in social welfare buildings to encourage the users to communicate with each other in order to create a lively atmosphere. Fig __ shows a 'S-shape' bench that promote interaction so that the users can chit-chat with each other easily.

Fig : S-shape bench suitable for the elderly for easy communication.

Children love to explore and discover, they need the power to manipulate things by their own. Hence, a modular designed furniture that triggers mind and creativeness is suitable for them as shown in Figure __. This type of furniture can be placed at the living area as a seating area for both the elderly and the children. Apart from that, Fig __ shows the creative way in arranging the seats where each chair can be rotated. This arrangement promotes communication because users can turn the chair to face each other.

Fig : A colourful modular designed furniture that encourages interaction between the children

Fig : Chair that can be rotated 360 degrees.

Another example to show innovative furniture that promotes social interactive is the 'U-shaped' seating area as shown in Fig __. It functions like a see-saw and this creates a fun learning environment which suitable for the children.

Fig : 'U-shape' see-saw chairs creates interactive and fun learning environment.

4.0 Architectural Solution draft

4.0 Architectural Solution (Outline)

4.1 Mutual Relationship

-accompaniment (children) & wise role models / mentors (elderly)

-protection (elderly) & support (children)

-respect (children) & guidance (elderly)

-more love, care, joy, happiness – like a family (connect)

-no more lonely and isolated

-share experience – sharing is caring

-learn from each other

-value human life

-rational & humanity design

4.2 Sense of Belonging

-comfort, sense of companionship

-suitable colours

-space planning – public & private + storage

-good circulation

-interior design – mural, fun, warm, cozy

-exterior design (role of designers, architects)

-landscape design

-space saving methods – modular furniture (bunk bed), small space looks bigger

-template – ratio (no of users vs sqft vs no of staff) – rational + humanity design

4.3 Social Interaction & Communication

-furniture design + layout

-activities, classes – different areas different functions

-public dining area, library, balcony, mini hall

-garden, playground – to connect users with nature

-interactive structure / furniture – games room – to connect users with the building – mutual recreation – e/g: Soe Ker Tie (Thailand)

4.4 Mental & Physical Health

-location – close to nature – garden, playground – low traffic & noise level – healing ability

-nursing care, medical room, rehabilitation area, proper care, professional & trained staffs, nurses, doctors, caregivers, consultants, ensure safety

-green material – to connect building with nature

-openings, natural ventilation & light resource

-space saving to solve congested & hygiene problems – modular furniture (layered bench structure)

-sufficient & well-maintained facilities – safety (e/g: anti-slip floor tiles, tables & chairs)

-design for the users according to their daily routine, elderly forgetful, low spectacles cabinet near toilet

4.5 Education - Positive Learning

-lively environment, grow, learn, play, live

-music, painting, computer, study, library

-games room

-rehabilitation area

-meditation room

-art gallery, mini stage – performance

-garden, playground, nature encourages development of 6 senses (e/g: Provincial Police Orphanage)

-colours, different age / stages, functions of spaces (rest, sleep, study, play)

4.6 Sense of Contribution

-sense of responsibility, take care of each other

-long-term outcome for children since small

-kitchen, preparation of food – appreciate (cook, wash plates, pray before eating)

-laundry area (wash, hand, keep, fold, iron)

-classes at different areas, art music painting

-cooperation in maintenance to ensure cleanliness

-feel that life is still meaningful because they can contribute everyday, still useful

4.7 Social Participation

-façade design, exterior, landscape – improve awareness, image – welcoming, donation, attention

-mini hall – festival & birthday  celebration

-art gallery / performance (every month) – sense of appreciation

-volunteer projects from colleges

4.8 Problems & Solutions

-noise / disturbance – timetable / campus method

-spread disease – nursing care

-communication problem – separated rooms according to age groups

-difficulty in facing death of elderly – education, learn pain of loss, for maturity of children

-congested, not enough space – template, table to limit, ratio / bigger size (min size for a social welfare building)

3.0 Problems faced by Existing Old Folks Home & Orphanages

3.0 Problems faced by Existing Old Folks Home & Orphanages

The main problem is both of the homes are being neglected by the government, architects, designers as well as the public. From the survey that has been done, 63% of the public think that these buildings are being neglected but they are improving in these recent years; 31% think that these buildings are being neglected all the time; more than 50% of them are not sure about the awareness of these buildings to the society. All these results show that majority of the people in Malaysia do not really pay attention to these buildings. The pretense of being busy at work is always used as the reason of not being conscious to these buildings and the people living there, instead the attitude of self-centeredness is the main cause of this issue.

3.1 Living Condition 

Most of the social welfare buildings namely the old folks homes and the orphanages especially the private homes are being run down due to the poor living status. These problems including the bad location, congested space, inappropriate design such as the interior and exterior, insufficient lighting resource, poor air ventilation, dull environment, insufficient facilities, unsuitable space planning and circulation, cleanliness and maintenance issues as well as the lack of sense of belonging and loneliness feeling.

Fig : Orphans have to eat at the open-air car porch area due to the reason of insufficient space.

Fig : Examples of congested dining space of an orphanage.

These problems occurred because they are not funded by the government. Nonetheless, government is more interested to focus on buildings that are able to stimulate the country's economics, such as entertainment centre, shopping malls, heritage buildings or tourists attraction and high rise buildings that are well designed for the privileged people. In fact, the body Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development should take action to solve the social welfare architecture problem in order to improve the living condition for the underprivileged. 

3.2 Space Planning

Children need different spaces to express themselves as they are more conscious about their surroundings at the growing stage. Similarly, the elderly needs both public and private spaces to enjoy comfort, privacy, freedom and social interaction as well. Unfortunately, the arrangement of the furniture and the attempt to define the space in the homes are disappointing. 97.9% of the people in Malaysia agreed that these buildings need to be improved in terms of space planning. For example, the beds are simply placed in a rigid order on a public sleeping area as shown in Figure __. There is no partition to divide the space. In other words, there is no privacy in the home.

Additionally, spaces are being used for multipurpose to save space. Fig __ shows a public sleeping area of an orphanage just next to the study area and the living area due to insufficient rooms provided. This problem will definitely affect the circulation, privacy issue, safety manner and comfort living of the orphans.

Other than the privacy issue, there are also homes which are facing the lack of public spaces problem. Fig __ shows a view from the entrance to the kitchen area of an old folks home. There is just one narrow corridor with private rooms at the sides to separate the elderly from one another. They are isolated and this brings the problem of lack of communication and social interaction with each other. The only common areas are the open-air dining area at the car porch area. Sense of loneliness is the major issue due to the poor space planning of the home.

As a conclusion, both the public and private spaces with proper space planning and circulation need to provide privacy and promote social interaction for the users.

Fig : Isolated rooms at the sides in an old folks home.

3.3 Design

From the survey that has been done, 52.5% of the public think that the design of social welfare buildings are still okay while 26.3% think that the design is bad. Also, more than half of them agreed that these buildings need proper interior designs too. It is important to create a suitable and cozy atmosphere for the elderly to keep them engaged and enjoy the rest of their life there. Likewise, orphans are absent with parents' love need a lively living space that has appropriate body experience to them. Sadly, the condition of existing old folks homes and orphanages is not designed in such a way that can help them both physically and emotionally, but just a simple shelter for them with four plain walls with inappropriate colours of wall paints as shown below.

Fig : An orphanage with empty interior design with loose furniture which is not well-maintained.

Fig : Unsuitable striking apple green is being used in the bedroom of an old folks home.

Colours play a fundamental role in affecting our mind and body through the different stages of life. Children from different stage of development needs different colours for living and learning. Young children need muted and soft tones of colours which are calming and peaceful. Strong and bright colours will make the children restless and unsettled because of its shocking and distracting effect. Correspondingly this applies to the older people as well. Softer shades of colours are suitable for them to address warmth, security and harmony feeling in order to decrease their sense of loneliness and fear.

Fig : An old folks home with striking yellow and deep blue as the main colour of its facade which is not suitable for the elderly to have a peaceful and restful life.

Other than that, exterior of a building gives the first impression to the public. Simple, stiff and bad appearance of a social welfare building gives an uncomfortable feeling to the public and this will indirectly affect their desire to visit the centre. Moreover, the advantages of having a welcoming facade design of a social welfare centre including raising awareness to the public as well as increasing the motivation and sense of companionship of its users.

4.0 Reasons of These Buildings being Neglected

4.0 Reasons of These Buildings being Neglected (draft)

4.1 Not Profitable - Government

Government only put focus on those architecture which can stimulate the economics such as shopping malls, heritage buildings or tourists attraction etc. The body in charge of this issue is the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. This body should find solution to solve this problem to protect and make sure that the abandoned are well being taken care of.

4.2 Attitude Problems of the Community

From the surveys, interviews and case studies that have been done, it surprised me that the living condition of the homes are actually not very bad as what we imagine. The facilities are insufficient but well maintained, just that they have not enough money to buy new facilities and refurbish the house. The only major problem is the insufficient of space, bad space planning and the psychological problem which is lacking of love and sense of belonging. 

The main source of money for most of the private homes are from donations, but this method is not a regularly solution for all the homes to maintain the residents' life in terms of food, basic daily necessities such as clothes, shoes, shampoos etc as well as water and electricity bills. The public only donate during some festivals such as Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya, Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day and Children's Day. They only remember the abandoned during these festivals due to the reasons of busy with works. 

4.3 Maintenance Problem

Buildings need to be maintained from time to time to ensure the safety of the people living in it. Most of the social welfare buildings are donated by enthusiastic people, and most of the houses are already old with poor construction work and old facilities. For example, the first floor is totally abandoned in one of the orphanage at Petaling Jaya because it is full of termites, orphans are forced to sleep in the ground floor only, and this problem is already last for few months and not being solved due to the funding problem. The community is lack of maintenance culture.

4.4 What they actually need

From the interview that have been done with the experts, I found out that what we provide to the abandoned is not enough yet from the survey they have no comment with their living condition. This shows that they are used to and already adapted to the current situation and do not expect for any changes. When I ask them questions that trigger their mind such as "would you prefer a better living environment with better design and larger space, majority of them answer "I don't know". In fact, children need spaces to express themselves and interact with one another as they are growing, they are curious about new things. They need more love and care in their childhood so that they feel they are being appreciated. Children need education, healthy food and entertainment too.

On the other hand, elderly needs privacy and freedom to rest their body and mind, also to have own space to do their own activities such as meditation and reading. Apart from that, they need public areas to interact with different groups of people from different age as well especially when interact with children, they have the sense of contribution. Elderly always reluctant to make any changes in their life as their ability to adapt to a new environment is low, furthermore they always find themselves useless as time goes by, especially for those which is sick. So, they need activities that bring them joy, hope and happiness such as birthday celebration, Chinese calligraphy class, yoga etc. They are lonely, they need accompaniment and entertainment too.