A Study on the Architectural Planning for the Housing of the Elderly to consider their Daily Life Patterns in Japan

일본 고령자 집합주택 거주자의 생활패턴을 고려한 건축계획 연구

Studies about architectural planning for elderly residences have been carried out to examine various factors including the unit plan, site planning, and size planning. However, no studies have been undertaken that focus on the residents' daily life patterns. This study offers the design guidelines to support the daily life patterns of the elderly through the planning of elderly housing. For this study, elderly residents in Tokyo, Yokohama etc. in Japan were interviewed and surveyed. The results indicate that the changes to the daily life patterns of the residents living in elderly housing are the reduction of household, the increase of free time, and the change of social relationships. The elderly want to utilize their free time and focus on their social relationships. However, the elderly residences that we surveyed pay no consideration to social spaces and programs for their residents except for the cafeteria. To support the daily life patterns of the elderly, elderly housing should set a high value on the location, shared spaces, and unit plans of the residences in order to consider the personal diversity of the residents. Accessibility to public transportation systems and facilities should to be considered in the initial location planning. The revitalization of the public spaces should to be considered during the architectural planning stage. Considerations of personal taste during the unit planning stage are also necessary.