INTERGENERATIONAL CENTRE FOR SENIORS AND ORPHANED CHILDREN, MOHALI

Abstract

Within rapidly changing population and household structures in India, there is an ongoing wave of demographic shift. Such a shift is largely impacting two generations at a time, the seniors – vulnerable to isolation, and the at-risk children. There a high degree of social isolation that the two user groups are facing due to low or absence of familial interaction. Hence, the concept of nonfamilial intergenerational interaction becomes vital in understanding the overlapping needs of the two user groups while integrating them as a part of the larger community. The project for an “Intergenerational Centre for Seniors and Orphaned Children in Mohali” calls for a new typology of community-based living model for residents and a community centre for their immediate neighbourhood. Such a typology explores the potential to be developed as an inclusive platform for multiple generations, while targeting at the two extreme ends – the young children, and the aged seniors. The project is designed keeping in mind the extremities faced by the user groups at two ends of ageism, isolation, and disconnect. Their needs, while strikingly opposite are catered to in built spaces that provide for accommodability and flexibility. The design is also guided by principles of trauma-informed approach, that combines a salutogenic approach and a human centric approach. A comprehensive design proposal has been made by carefully analyzing existing isolated and intergenerational models, and understanding the user needs, wants, and desires. Keywords: Intergenerational, Inclusive, Community-based, Seniors, Orphaned Children.