Selected issues in contemporary housing design for seniors - Poland in the European context

Tomasz Bradecki, Monika Strzelecka-Seredyńska, Anna Agata Kantarek, Barbara Uherek-Bradecka

doi:10.37190/arc240209

Abstract

Concern for the residential environment for the elderly is increasingly evident in theory in numerous academic studies and in practice reflected in contemporary realisations. Residential centers for seniors are becoming increasingly popular, and their form and function are becoming more complex and dedicated to specific needs. The authors presented the results of a study of a dozen of different case studies of residential and commercial complexes with a healthcare function for the elderly realised after 2005. The authors hypothesise that contemporary realised complexes for seniors are characterised by a varied morphology, i.e., in some cases they replicate the structure of the urban fabric, while in others they clearly break away from it and create individualised forms. The qualitative assessment considers the advantages and disadvantages associated with the morphology of the complexes. The authors also presented their individual design as an experiment of implementing current trends in an established location (research by design). The presented research shows that both the form and function of housing for seniors evolve depending on the needs. Functional programs and the facilities themselves are usually quite extensive and result in complex functional-spatial systems that fill most of the plots on which they were designed. Conclusions from the research can be valuable in studying other senior centres, especially when making location decisions for similar functions.

Full article view is only available on bigger screens.

2024

2(78)

Tomasz Bradecki*, Monika Strzelecka-Seredyńska**,

Anna Agata Kantarek***, Barbara Uherek-Bradecka****

Selected issues in contemporary housing design for seniors

– Poland in the European context

DOI: 10.37190/arc240209

Published in open access. CC BY NC ND license

Abstract

Concern for the residential environment for the elderly is increasingly evident in theory in numerous academic studies and in practice reected

in contemporary realisations. Residential centers for seniors are becoming increasingly popular, and their form and function are becoming more

complex and dedicated to specic needs.

The authors presented the results of a study of a dozen of dierent case studies of residential and commercial complexes with a healthcare function

for the elderly realised after 2005. The authors hypothesise that contemporary realised complexes for seniors are characterised by a varied morpholo-

gy, i.e., in some cases they replicate the structure of the urban fabric, while in others they clearly break away from it and create individualised forms.

The qualitative assessment considers the advantages and disadvantages associated with the morphology of the complexes. The authors also presented

their individual design as an experiment of implementing current trends in an established location (research by design).

The presented research shows that both the form and function of housing for seniors evolve depending on the needs. Functional programs and

the facilities themselves are usually quite extensive and result in complex functional-spatial systems that ll most of the plots on which they were

designed. Conclusions from the research can be valuable in studying other senior centres, especially when making location decisions for similar

functions.

Key words: housing for elderly, housing estates for seniors, senior care

* ORCID:

0000-0002-9459-4545. Faculty of Architecture,

Sile sian University of Technology, Poland, e-mail: tomasz.bradecki@

polsl.pl

** ORCID: 0000-0002-9247-0557. Faculty of Architecture,

Cra cow University of Technology, Poland.

*** ORCID: 0000-0003-2422-3797. Faculty of Architecture,

Cra cow University of Technology, Poland.

**** ORCID: 0000-0001-8222-1488. Faculty of Architecture, Ci-

vil Construction and Applied Arts, Academy of Silesia, Poland.

Introduction

Shaping age-friendly urban space and architecture in

conjunction with social and economic policies is currently

a major challenge for many European countries. Demo-

graphically, Europe is now the oldest continent. In Euro-

pean Union (EU) countries, the increase in the proportion

of older people between 2009 and 2019 was up to 5% [1].

The phenomenon of population ageing has also been ob-

served in Poland for more than two decades. This is par-

ticularly true for urban residents. The above-mentioned

processes are taking place unevenly around the world.

They are determined, apart from a decline in the birth rate,

by an increase in life expectancy (as a result of medical

achievements and improvements in its quality) and access

to services, including various forms of support. The need

to ensure a dignied life for the growing number of senior

citizens is reected in the development of various propos-

als in many European countries, both in the area of social

and health care and housing policy.

The research undertaken by the authors is therefore top-

ical and serves the broader discussion on the search for op-

timal forms of housing, as well as solutions in urban spaces

adapted to the changing age structure of the population. In

EU countries, the increase in the proportion of older peo-

ple between 2009 and 2019 was up to 5%.

86 Tomasz Bradecki, Monika Strzelecka-Seredyńska, Anna Agata Kantarek, Barbara Uherek-Bradecka

Aim, scope, and research method

The aim of this study is to present contemporary trends

in the shaping of housing development for seniors based

on an analysis of selected European projects and realiza-

tions. It also develops a typology of housing forms and

evaluates functional and spatial solutions within the frame-

work of a case study.

The subject of our research are housing complexes for

the elderly with a varied programme oer. As part of the

methodology adopted, a literature search was carried out

and examples were selected.

As a criterion for selecting examples, the criterion of

beauty (as one of the elements of the Vitruvian triad: rm-

ness, commodity, delight) was taken into account through

the individual author’s choice of cases. All of the units

exa mined should be considered to stand out from the rest

through aesthetics, functional-utility solutions and archi-

tectural solutions that are unusual for the functions de-

scribed. Justication for their selection can also be found

in numerous publications and awards, which indicate that

the design solutions realised are not standard and can be

described as experimental and innovative.

The criteria for describing the selected examples were

formulated based on the juxtaposition of two general cri-

teria – the internal structure of the assemblages and the

external conditions.

In the case of the internal structure of the assemblages,

a further distinction was made between form and function

(in accordance with the principle of the Vitruvian Triad,

with the understanding of permanence as an element of

function). These are:

– internal structure – form: plot development + form

and scale of development, function: type of house and pri-

mary functions + complementary functions (also external),

– external conditions – location + relationship to the

public space of the city centre + relationship to the neigh-

bourhood public space (built–up and green space) and the

form of fencing + urban composition.

Another criterion for selecting individual examples was

to be scale. It was assumed that the representative exam-

ples would have a usable area (above 1,500 m

) of the ser-

vice function, not counting the areas allocated for the res-

idential part. This criterion was intended to identify sites

that had a certain minimum usable programme.

The analysed examples were subjected to a quantita-

tive-qualitative comparative assessment, the aim of which

is to determine the common features, including the indica-

tion of the values of the boundary parameters dening the

examined examples. It is assumed that the author’s qualita-

tive assessment will allow the formulation of conclusions,

further developments and recommendations for future im-

plementations of this type.

State of research

The materials useful for research on senior housing can

be broadly divided into three groups. These are documents

and legislation, especially on senior citizens’ policies and

care systems in selected countries, literature covering design

theory and the practical work of architects and urban plan-

ners, and research tools for assessing the quality of the living

environment for older people (e.g., Usability in my Home,

Housing Options for Older People, Housing Enabler).

Due to the limited volume of the article, only selected

literature is cited below. These include, among others, the

following works: New housing models in practice [2],

Contemporary living spaces for the elderly [3], Residen-

tial for the elderly. Geriatricos [4], Housing for people

of all ages [5]. The relevant American literature includes

the work entitled: [6] as well as the research by Charles

Durrett [7].

In Poland, the research project entitled Aspekty medycz-

ne, psychologiczne, socjologiczne i ekonomiczne sta rze nia

się ludzi w Polsce [Medical, sociological and eco nomic

aspects of ageing in Poland] [8], and the work Śro do wisko

zamieszkania polskich seniorów w badaniach inter dys cy-

pli narnych. Studia przypadków na wybranych przykła dach

[Residential environment of Polish seniors in interdis-

ciplinary studies. Case studies on selected examples] [9].

Also useful for research is the study Raport na temat sy-

tuacji osób starszych w Polsce [Report on the situation of

older people in Poland] [10] and the monograph entitled

Kształtowanie środowiska mieszkaniowego dla seniorów

[Shaping the housing environment for seniors] [11], and

also research done by [12]–[18].

Contemporary trends in the design

of housing for the elderly

Contemporary European design solutions related to se-

nior housing are a continuation of the experience of previ-

ous decades. Wider interest in the problems of seniors and

a change in the perception of their role in society did not

take place until around the middle of the 20

century. This

was inuenced, among other things, by demographic pro-

cesses and the declining birth rate in Europe. The period

from the 1960s to the last decade of the 20

century saw the

development of housing for the elderly. Institutional forms

predominated at this time and most developments were sep-

arate complexes exclusively for senior citizens. Alternative

proposals to nursing home living also began to develop

during this period. They were aimed at maintaining the inde-

pendence of older people and strengthening social contacts.

The 1990s can be described as the beginning of a “new

era” in attitudes towards people with disabilities and senior

citizens. The trend towards de-institutionalization of forms

of care and the development of dierentiated support sys-

tems in the residential environment was reinforced at the

time – the motto “In an institution a person is a patient, in

his home a king” [19]. Creating conditions for people to

remain in their own place and, when this is not possible,

to live in a protected, supportive and friendly environment

(the paradigm of subjectivity, autonomy and the right of

choice of the older person) became a priority of the EU

senior citizenship policy [20].

New approaches to older people have contributed to the

search for innovative housing solutions. This has become

particularly evident in Western European and Scandina-

vian countries.

Selected issues in contemporary housing design for seniors – Poland in the European context 87

Forms of housing

– typology of contemporary solutions

An analysis of developments in recent years shows that

a variety of housing concepts have emerged in western

European countries for the elderly. Architectural solutions

are adapted to the health status, degree of independence,

lifestyle and activity of seniors. It is accepted that, as peo-

ple get older, their expectations of necessary care generally

change. Namely, the needs of those with an active lifestyle

(early senior citizens 60–69 years old) dier from those of

those requiring only selective support and assistance (ma-

ture senior citizens 70–79 years old). In contrast, seniors

(over 80 years of age) usually already require care and

nursing solutions [21].

Design concepts are also conditioned by a number of

other factors, i.e. housing standards and regulatory systems,

existing cultural patterns, the level of sophistication of ser-

vices and care systems, and the principles of healthcare or-

ganization. A country’s experience in developing housing

provision is also signicant. The proposed architectural

concepts therefore t into a wide space contained between

the extremes of the proposals, ranging from residence in the

home (ageing in place concept) to residence in a permanent

care facility. The former option is strongly preferred by the

majority of seniors. In contrast, the decision to live in an

assisted living facility is generally seen as a necessity and

an exceptional solution. In the Polish context, an important

factor limiting the choice of an optimal form of housing is

currently the economic position of the majority of seniors,

which does not provide opportunities comparable to West-

ern European countries. According to studies, the low will-

ingness to use institutional support also applies to other Cen-

tral and Eastern European countries [22], [9, pp. 241, 242].

Countries that oer the widest range of housing in-

clude Austria, Germany, Sweden, Denmark and the United

Kingdom. They are systematically raising the standards of

housing and services for older people as part of the devel-

opment of the “silver economy”. This is particularly true

of housing with various forms of support (supported hous-

ing, sheltered housing, assisted living, housing for seniors’

people, extra care sheltered housing). In these countries,

innovative design solutions with attractive aesthetics and

a rich functional programme are also being promoted.

Projects range in scale from single buildings and small

complexes to larger complexes. There is a predominance

of proposals for combining housing for the elderly with

a shared service programme, especially for recreation, in-

tended also for other residents of the city (intergenerational

integration model).

An analysis of the examples shows that contemporary

European architectural and urban planning solutions be-

long to the non-institutional or institutional housing envi-

ronment (e.g., care homes, medical care centres, specialist

medical care centres). The variety of solutions is evidenced

by the typology of forms of housing presented below,

which respond to the varying expectations of senior citi-

zens. Due to the limited volume of the text, the typology is

presented in a simplied form. These forms are described

in detail by Monika Strzelecka-Seredyńska in her doctoral

thesis entitled Kształtowanie środowiska życia osób star-

szych we współczesnym mieście. Wybrane zagadnienia

[Shaping the living environment of older people in the

modern city. Selected issues] [23].

1. Non-institutional housing environment (A):

– A1 – independent housing on an “ageing in place”

basis.

Most senior citizens consider this to be the optimal

solution. It allows them to remain in their “home” envi-

ronment and does not require older people to adapt to new

surroundings. In general, these ats are located in develop-

ments that are accessible to all and not specically aimed at

a particular age group. Examples include modernisation of

the Knikats complex in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, arch.

Biq architecten, 2008, modernisation of a 1950s housing

estate in Hamm, Germany, 2002, building complex in Zu-

rich, Switzerland, arch. A. Wasserfallen/Straub+Kleel,

2004.

– A2 – ats/apartments in separate buildings or com-

plexes for senior citizens only.

This is a form of housing oered in buildings in which,

in addition to housing, communal spaces (e.g., leisure and

activity areas) are designed or public services are intro-

duced, usually located on the ground oor. Example: Nep-

tune complex in Malmö, Sweden, arch. Arkitektgruppen

and Malmö AB, 2005.

– A3 – ats/apartments incorporated into the develop-

ment for other age groups.

The ats are introduced into multi-family housing com-

plexes. This promotes intergenerational ties and various

forms of mutual assistance. Usually these ats are locat-

ed on the ground oors of buildings. Example: complex

in Straubing, Germany, arch. W. Wöhr, G. Heugenhauser,

2008–2011.

– A4 – housing designed for communities.

The idea of creating senior communities is widespread,

especially in Scandinavian and Western European coun-

tries. These forms are aimed at seniors who prefer to live

among people of a similar age or lifestyle (e.g., co-hous-

ing). These dwellings are generally designed in separate

buildings. Examples: building in Winterthur, Switzerland

(arch. Haerle Hubacher Architekten, 2010), building in

St. Gallen, Switzerland (modernisation, arch. Archplan

AG, 2002, Miss Sargfabrik residential complex Vienna,

Austria, arch. BKK-3, 2000. They can also take the form

of separate residential enclaves (e.g., detached houses, ter-

raced houses). Example: housing estate in Nødebo, Den-

mark, arch. Tegnestuen Vandkunsten, 2004.

– A5 – housing “with care”.

These ats can be categorised as intermediate forms be-

tween non-institutional settings and living in an institution/

centre. They are generally located in buildings set aside just

for senior citizens or integrated into urban multifamily de-

velopments. They allow relatively independent living while

providing a sense of security through the use of appropriate

architectural solutions as well as supporting technologies

(intelligent systems). Seniors are oered the opportunity to

use various services (doctor, nurse) and personal assistants

(shopping, housekeeping) on a permanent or temporary

basis. Examples: Housing complex in Zurich, Switzerland,

88 Tomasz Bradecki, Monika Strzelecka-Seredyńska, Anna Agata Kantarek, Barbara Uherek-Bradecka

arch. pool Architekten, 2011, building in Domat/Ems,

Switzerland, arch. D. Schwarz, 2004, Neuenbürg, Germa-

ny, arch. Mahler Günster Fuchs Architekten, 1996.

This type of specialised housing exists in Poland. How-

ever, it is not widespread and the oer in this area is modest

[24, pp. 104–106]. Such solutions include, among others,

sheltered housing (as part of social assistance) and assist-

ed housing, example: buildings in Stargard Szczeciński –

project “Nie-sami” [Not alone], Nowe Żerniki in Wrocław,

2020 [25].

2. Institutional housing environment (B):

– B1 – housing in permanent, complex, medical care

homes/centres.

These are designed for people who are unable to live

in dependently. These include ats / ats located in care

homes, medical care centres, specialist centres, e.g., for de-

mentia patients. They are designed in facilities of dier-

ent scales, forming larger complexes or small community

facilities. In Poland, institutional residential environments

can include social care homes (DPS), nursing and care fa-

cilities, treatment and care facilities, family care homes –

RDP. Examples of this type of implementation include the

Ørestad senior home, Copenhagen, arch. JJW Architekter,

2012, De Hogeweyk/Weesp dementia complex in the Neth-

erlands, arch. Molenaar & Bol & Van Dillen,Vught, 2009.

– B2 – mixed forms.

These are designed as multi-functional complexes aris-

ing from a common site or in a common development.

They may combine, in various congurations, the forms

of housing listed under the above typology. They range in

scale from small complexes to large multi-functional com-

plexes, estates or senior villages.

In the USA, assumptions of this type were established

as early as the 1950s. In the USA, these types of devel-

opments were created as early as the 1950s (Youngtown,

1955, Sun City, Arizona, 1959–1960) and are still popular

and in use today, e.g., in Palm Desert (1992–2002), Califor-

nia, Nevada and Florida. They are also being developed in

other countries in Australia, New Zealand, among others.

A solution of this type appeared in Europe in the 1960s.

At the time, there were proposals to locate senior housing,

nursing homes, day care centres, medical care centres, in-

cluding specialised care, and even hospitals on a common

site. However, these were characterised by a much smaller

scale compared to the American concept. The idea is still

being developed in Europe today, including in the UK.

Example: Belong Wigan Community Village in Wigan,

arch. Pozzoni Architecture, 2011, Morris Feinnman Care

Village, team in Blackley, Manchester, 2012.

All the forms of housing discussed above are reected

in the very diverse and innovative proposals of contempo-

rary designers. Buildings or complexes with attractive ar-

chitectural solutions and urban composition are being cre-

ated. Let us see whether this is demonstrated in the studies

presented below.

Case studies overview

The information gathered during our research has been

presented in Tables 1–4, its location in Figure 1.

Research by design. Leboszowice case study

The design of the housing complex for the elderly in

Leboszowice was carried out in consultation with a com-

pany implementing similar centres. Although it was not re-

alised, a number of important assumptions of the concept

were modelled on solutions that have been described as

characteristic of the cases mentioned [35], [36].

Leboszowice is a small village in the municipality of

Pilchowice on the outskirts of Gliwice in an area with

predominantly extensive housing. The concept for the se-

nior citizens’ village in Leboszowice envisages the devel-

opment of a 2.3 ha plot with 26 buildings (Fig. 2). Two

large buildings are to serve as the centre of the centre, i.e.,

residential and services together with health and catering

services (Fig. 2, 3a). The remaining 24 buildings are repet-

itive single-storey cottages for which 2 or 3 units each are

proposed for residents. This makes a total of 48 dwellings

(2 dwellings per building) or 72 dwellings (3 dwellings

per building), not including those living in the upper oor

of the main building, which houses 12 double rooms. The

complex can accommodate up to 100 residents in total.

The site has been developed in such a way as to obtain

10% of the built-up area for the residential buildings and

6.5% of the built-up area for the service buildings, allow-

ing 60% of the biologically active area to be provided. Ac-

cess and driveways to each building and a small number

(approx. 15 parking spaces) have been provided (Fig. 3d).

A retention pond and communal greenery have been de-

signed in the lowered part of the plot. The walking paths

between the buildings were composed together with the

greenery in an even layout (external wide driving paths,

internal walking paths) (Fig. 3b). An extensive canopy was

proposed in front of the main entrance (Fig. 3c), covering

the communal space, creating a meeting place, protecting

from rain and heat.

Discussion

The selected case studies are in line with the priorities

of the EU senior citizenship policy. This policy is based on

three main pillars: quality of life linked to good health, la-

bour force participation and social participation, and secu-

rity (social, nancial, physical). Research on contempo rary

senior housing, especially in western European countries,

indicates that housing provision is constantly expanding.

Innovative and alternative solutions to institutional care

are being developed, which allow people to live inde-

pendently and remain in their own environment for as long

as possible.

The term “home for the elderly” has now become very

broad and encompasses a large variety of architectural

solutions. Each of the forms presented in this paper (in ge-

neral typology) may be of interest in view of the individual

preferences and lifestyles of senior citizens. Most of the

case studies represented individual architectural solutions

which were usually implemented in interior design: bright,

contrast monochromatic, smooth colours. Authors noticed

that minimalism solutions can be identied in CS1, Santa

Rita Geriatric Center, Menorca, Spain and CS5, Residential

Selected issues in contemporary housing design for seniors – Poland in the European context 89

Name, location

Site

area

]

Built up area

]

Total floor area

]

Max. no

of floors

No of

buildings

No of beds/

rooms/

dwellings

Green area in

neighbourhood

CS1

Santa Rita Geriatric Center

Menorca, Spain

Manuel Ocaña

2003 [26]

10900 5400 5990 1 1 68 +

CS2

Houses for Elderly People

Alcácer do Sal, Portugal

Manuel Aires Mateus

2010 [27]

10435 1560 3640 3 1 64 +

CS3

Social Complex

Alcabideche, Portugal

Guedes Cruz Arquitectos

2012 [28]

12876 9956 unknown 2 53 52 +

CS4

Day Center and Home for

the Elderly

Blancafort, Spain

Guillem Carrera

2013 [29]

1400 647 675 2 1 0 –

CS5

Residential Care Home

Graz, Andritz, Austria

Dietger Wissounig

Architekten

2015 [30]

12400 4300 6950 2 1 105 +

CS6

Home for Dependent

Elderly People and Nursing

Home Orbec, France

Dominique Coulon

& associés

2015 [31]

32560 3700 5833 3 1 115 +

CS7

Alzheimer residence

for the “Foyer la Grange”

Couëron, France

Mabire Reich

2014 [32]

8600

4500

(total area)

906

(extension area)

unknown

(total area)

2200

(extension area)

4 2

(extension)

–

CS8

Nenzing Nursing Home

Nenzing, Vorarlberg, Austria

Dietger Wissounig Architects

2014 [33]

7300 2000 5100 3 2

(apartments)

CS9

Eltheto Housing and

Healthcare Complex

Rijssen, The Netherlands

2by4-architects

2015 [34]

17500 7200 20000 4 4 156 +

CS10

Housing for Elderly, TBS

Nowe Żerniki, Wrocław,

Poland

Major Architekci

2019 [25]

4720 3 329 8 656 4 1

117 (57

dedicated

for seniors)

CS11

Senior housing estate,

Leboszowice, Poland

[35]

15000 2850 6300 3 4 84 –

Table 1. The case studies described. Basic information (elaborated by authors)

Tabela 1. Studium przypadków. Podstawowe informacje (oprac. autorzy)

Care Home Andritz, Graz, Austria, and CS6, Home for De-

pendent Elderly People and Nursing Home, Orbec, France.

Although raw concrete, lack of detail, large smooth surfac-

es and spaces can be presumed as high quality architecture,

still it does not necessarily meet the needs of the inhabi-

tants. At this point qualitative research and post occupancy

evaluation should be performed.

Existing cultural patterns, the state’s senior citizens’

policy and nancial possibilities have an important inu-

ence on the choice of housing. However, the availability

90 Tomasz Bradecki, Monika Strzelecka-Seredyńska, Anna Agata Kantarek, Barbara Uherek-Bradecka

Table 2. The case studies described. Functions (elaborated by authors)

Tabela 2. Studium przypadków. Funkcje (oprac. autorzy)

Table 3. The case studies described. Location and plot (elaborated by authors)

Tabela 3. Studium przypadków. Lokalizacja i działka (oprac. autorzy)

Case name Form of housing Basic functions Complementary functions

CS1 B2 Housing, medical care 0

CS2 B2 Housing, medical care 0

CS3 B2 Housing, medical care, gastronomy 0

CS4 B2 Daily healthcare care without flats

Basic functions integrated

into the public zone of the city

CS5 B2 Housing, medical care, gastronomy 0

CS6 B2 Housing, medical care, gastronomy 0

CS7 B2 Housing, medical care, gastronomy 0

CS8 B2 Housing, medical care, gastronomy 0

CS9 A5

Different types of housing, medical care,

gastronomy

Chapel, multifunctional common area

CS10 A5

One- or two-bedroom apartments, medical care,

day care center, catering

Services on the ground floors,

accessible from the street

Case name Location Plot layout Building form and scale

CS1

The northern edge of the city,

the junction with low-rise residential

buildings and open areas

Rectangular plot surrounded by

and 3

storey low-intensity

residential development

A single-storey pavilion,

filling the entire plot,

on a rectangular plan

with an internal courtyard with greenery,

with a curvilinear roof form

CS2

The eastern part of the city, surrounded

by residential buildings and greenery

Supplementation of the invested plot

A double-broken ribbon with original

architecture, in a corridor layout,

adapted to the shape of the terrain

CS3

The south-eastern part of

the city surrounded by

diverse residential buildings

52 single-storey residential houses

and a commercial building.

The orthogonal layout fills the entire

fenced plot. Narrow pedestrian paths,

a small amount of greenery

Contemporary aesthetics of buildings,

concrete in façades, original skylights

CS4

The southern part of the city center.

Neighborhood of 3 and 4 storey

residential buildings and greenery

A 2-storey building filling the triangular

plot, duplicating its shape and fitting

into the existing communication system

A triangular building around two inner

courtyards; integrated

with the environment

CS5

A northern suburb of the city among

single-family and farm buildings.

A 2-storey building mostly filling

the plot

The building is surrounded by internal

courtyards, with a distinctive building

area in the vicinity

CS6

Southern outskirts of the city,

surrounded by farmland and greenery

Irregular shape of the plot with

an entrance from the north; a longpart

of the plot

with greenery, partly developed

A building with a fragmented body.

The scale of the building coincides

with the scale of the public buildings

in the vicinity; the building is integrated

into the diverse topography of the plot

CS7 City Center

The plot is open to the public space

of the city, half filled with buildings

with numerous parking spaces and

greenery.

Extension to an existing building

CS8 City Center

The plot is open to the public space

of the city with buildings filling most

of the plot

Body – 3 cuboids connected by roofed

footbridges; within the two largest blocks

– internal atriums; connection of different

levels with integration into the terrain

CS9

The city center, the neighborhood

a school

and intensive single-family housing

Opening to the public space of the city;

the form of a semi-open urban quarter

with a rhomboidal shaped building in the

centre

Differentiation of roof forms

and building heights

CS10

In the western part of the city,

in the center of a model housing estate

in the vicinity of multi-family housing

The plot is fully developed

with a building-quarter,

with a distinctive scale

Green inner courtyard quarter accessible

from the outside at ground floor level

Selected issues in contemporary housing design for seniors – Poland in the European context 91

of a rich and varied range of housing is not uniform across

European countries.

It can be assumed that the priority for senior housing

in the coming years will be to continue the transition from

forms of institutional care towards the development of

various forms of independent living, possibly with sup-

port. Innovative technological solutions related to hous-

ing equipment, such as intelligent systems, which serve

to strengthen the independent position of seniors in soci-

ety, are helpful in realizing this idea. At the same time, it

should be added that the contemporary housing environ-

ment and its surroundings should create functional, legi-

ble structures that allow easy orientation, without barriers

(visual barriers, mobility barriers and cognitive barriers).

It is also important to look for every opportunity to inte-

grate older people into society and other age groups (in-

clusive model).

The examples presented show, that most of the centres

for elderly are large, with an area of more than 10 000 m

The exception is the Day Care Centre and Home for the

Elderly in Blancafort (1 400 m

). They are also more likely

to be in suburban or non-urban areas. Most senior housing

estates remain segregated forms from the neighbourhood,

with well-dened entrances and entrances. Here the Centre

in Blancafort is also an exception.

Most of the case studies can be categorized as B2-multi-

functional mixed complexes that are composed in one com-

plex building. The CS3, Social Complex in Alcabideche,

Cascais, Portugal and experimental Leboszowice design

proposal may be classied as A4 – housing designed for

communities, since the dwellings are located in separate

buildings. All case studies showed a minimised number

of car parks compared to the residential standard although

some of the complexes are located further away from city

centre. This leads to the conclusion that the accessibility of

the complexes for seniors is not a primary concern. On the

other hand, the need for green space and a quiet neighbour-

hood seems to be a standard near any such complex. Inter-

nal semi-public spaces play an important role and make the

“interior” of the estate more user-friendly. However, most

of the case studies presented have not retained space for

green areas or shared outdoor spaces.

Table 4. The case studies described. Urban relations (elaborated by authors)

Tabela 4. Studium przypadków. Powiązania z otoczeniem (oprac. autorzy)

Case

name

Relationship to the public space

of the city center

Relation to the public space

of the neighborhood

Urban composition

CS1 Public transport stop

The area is fenced with a public main

entrance and parking lot;

contact limited to the main entrance

Maintenance of the street frontage line,

the building is located at the close

of the local pedestrian route

CS2

Prospective closure of an important

communication route in the eastern part

of the city

The building is incorporated

into the existing complex of buildings

on a plot separated from the public space

of the city

The ensemble is compositionally important

from the relations within the structure

of the city and as an accent in the view

from the outside

CS3 Lack

The plot is fenced,

limited relations with the neighborhood

There are no significant external

compositional relations,

within the complex a service building

distinguished by its scale

CS4

Integration into the existing structure

of the center

The convergent character of the façade

(stone, concrete) with the neighboring

historical buildings.

Opening to the existing public space

(greenery, open gym)

A building that fills the plot and is

composed in height with the neighborhood;

an important accent at the entrance

to the city

CS5

No relations, considerable distance

from the center, bus stop nearby

The plot is fenced, limited relations

with the neighborhood

Withdrawal from the street building line,

vicinity of the local recreational route

CS6 Lack

The plot is fenced, there is no relation

to the neighborhood

A complex of buildings in the landscape,

with partial exposure from the side

of the transit road

CS7 Integration into the existing structure

No fencing on the side of the public space,

parking lots connected

to single-family houses

The buildings form the street frontage

as a dominant element in relation to

the different scale of the adjacent buildings

CS8 Integration into the existing structure

No fence on the side of the public space,

good relations with the neighborhood;

contrast flat roof and wooden façade

with traditional neighborhood architecture

Partial filling of the street building line

in the neighborhood scale

(height, division into smaller blocks)

CS9 Integration into the existing structure

No fencing on the side

of the public space, good relations

with the immediate surroundings

Partial filling of the street building line

in a non-functional internal space,

enriching the existing public space.

CS10 Integration into the existing structure

No fence, complete filling of the plot

with cubature, good relations with

the neighborhood; in the inner courtyard

accessible from the public space.

Building – a quarter as an accent

in the orthogonal, defined structure

of the complex

92 Tomasz Bradecki, Monika Strzelecka-Seredyńska, Anna Agata Kantarek, Barbara Uherek-Bradecka

Selected issues in contemporary housing design for seniors – Poland in the European context 93

Fig. 1. The cases described. Plot fences are marked in green:

a) CS1, Santa Rita Geriatric Center, Menorca, Spain,

b) CS2, Houses for Eldery People in Alcácer do Sal, Setubal, Portugal,

c) CS3, Social Complex in Alcabideche, Cascais, Portugal,

d) CS4, Day Center and Home for the Elderly of Blancafort, Terragona, Spain,

e) CS5, Residential Care Home Andritz, Graz, Austria,

f) CS6, Home for Dependent Elderly People and Nursing Home, Orbec, France,

g) CS7, Alzheimer residence for the “Foyer la Grange”, Couëron, Pays de la Loire, France,

h) CS8, Nenzing Nursing Home, Nenzing, Vorarlberg, Austria,

i) CS9, Eltheto Housing and Healthcare Complex, Rijssen, The Netherlands,

j) CS10, TBS Wrocław, Nowe Żerniki, Poland

(elaborated by A.A. Kantarek based on GoogleMaps, GoogleEarth)

Il. 1. Opisane przypadki. Ogrodzenia działek zaznaczono na zielono:

a) CS1, Centrum Geriatryczne Santa Rita, Minorka, Hiszpania, b) CS2, Domy Osób Starszych w Alcácer do Sal, Setubal, Portugalia,

c) CS3, Kompleks Społeczny w Alcabideche, Cascais, Portugalia,

d) CS4, Ośrodek dzienny i dom dla osób starszych w Blancafort, Terragona, Hiszpania,

e) CS5, Dom opieki Andritz, Graz, Austria,

f) CS6, Dom dla osób starszych niesamodzielnych i dom opieki, Orbec, Francja,

g) CS7, Rezydencja Alzheimera dla „Foyer la Grange”, Couëron, Pays de la Loire, Francja,

h) CS8, Dom Opieki Nenzing, Nenzing, Vorarlberg, Austria, i) CS9, Eltheto Housing and Healthcare Complex, Rijssen, Holandia,

j) CS10, TBS Wrocław, Nowe Żerniki, Polska

(oprac. A.A. Kantarek na podstawie GoogleMaps, GoogleEarth)

g i

h j

94 Tomasz Bradecki, Monika Strzelecka-Seredyńska, Anna Agata Kantarek, Barbara Uherek-Bradecka

Fig. 3. Housing complex for the elderly in Leboszowice – perspective view of a design proposal:

a) aerial site view, b) paths and greenery for walks, c) main building with healthcare services and sheltered area, d) car parking

(elaborated by T. Bradecki, B. Uherek-Bradecka, 2021)

Il. 3. Zespół mieszkaniowy dla osób starszych w Leboszowicach – widok perspektywiczny propozycji projektowej:

a) widok z lotu ptaka, b) ścieżki i zieleń spacerowa, c) budynek główny z usługami opieki zdrowotnej i terenem osłoniętym, d) parking

(oprac. T. Bradecki, B. Uherek-Bradecka, 2021)

Fig. 2. Housing complex for the elderly in Leboszowice – location

(designed by T. Bradecki, B. Uherek-Bradecka, 2021;

drawing elaborated by A.A. Kantarek based on GoogleMaps, GoogleEarth)

Il. 2. Zespół mieszkaniowy dla osób starszych w Leboszowicach –

lokalizacja (projekt: T. Bradecki, B. Uherek-Bradecka;

oprac. A.A. Kantarek na podstawie GoogleMaps, GoogleEarth)

The presented case study of a housing estate for seniors

in Leboszowice includes a number of solutions used in the

examples presented. It is also worth noting that the proj-

ect refers to real conditions such as location and decisions

contained in the current Local Development Plan, as well

as the experience of the project commissioner, on the basis

of which the boundary conditions of the scale and scope of

the investment were determined.

Conclusions

The presented research shows that both the form and

function of housing for seniors evolve depending on the

needs. Functional programs and the facilities themselves

are usually quite extensive and result in complex function-

al-spatial systems that ll most of the plots on which they

were designed.

The urban form of the presented complexes shows great

diversity – from the structure of a small city (e.g., CS3) to

the arrangement of several blocks placed in existing,

loosely built-up development sectors with an internal ar-

rangement of public or semi-public spaces (e.g., CS9). The

relationship of the open spaces of the new assemblages to

the existing surrounding public space also varies. Some of

the examples present an introverted system, which results in

isolation from the immediate neighbourhood (e.g., CS1-3),

and the only important element is entry into the complex.

Others show the integration of the new complex into the

neighbourhood space (e.g., CS4). As already indicated, the

new complexes do not oer larger areas of greenery but

only greenery accompanying the facilities both around and

in the form of internal atriums, squares or landscaping.

Most of the examples presented oer permanent hous-

ing for senior citizens (patients). The functional disposi-

tions are usually divided into serving areas (medical faci-

lities, catering, etc.) and residential complexes divided into

smaller complexes with additional communal space. Also

a c

b d

Selected issues in contemporary housing design for seniors – Poland in the European context 95

notable is the use of semi-concealed spaces at the interface

between volume and open space in the form of balconies,

terraces, atriums or arcades. Both internal and external

communication is adapted to the needs of people with re-

duced mobility (lifts, ramps).

The presented buildings and complexes present inter-

esting formal solutions both in terms of urban planning

relations (in neighbourhood relations and in broader re-

lations to the existing urban fabric) and in terms of the

proposed architecture. The architecture proposes contem-

porary solutions, however, with varying degrees of formal

subordination in the existing neighbourhood – from form

contrast (e.g., CS2) – to traditional façade material solu-

tions (e.g., CS8).

The authors point out that further research is neces-

sary, which should include, among others, sociological

research, in particular interviews with potential users and

neighbours of the planned forms of housing for seniors.

Conclusions from the research can be valuable in studying

other senior centers, especially when making location de-

cisions for similar functions.

Translated by

Tomasz Bradecki

References

[1] Eurostat, Struktura ludności i starzenie się społeczeństwa, 2021,

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?ti-

tle=Archive:Struktura_ludno%C5%9Bci_i_starzenie_si%C4%99_

spo%C5%82ecze%C5%84stwa [accessed: 15.11.2023].

[2] Huber A., Hugentobler M., Walthert-Galli R., New housing models

in practice, [in:] A. Huber (ed.), New approaches to housing for the

second half of life, Birkhäuser, Basel–Boston–Berlin 2008, 77–173.

[3] Minquet J.M., Vazquez O.M., Contemporary living spaces for the

elderly, Architectural Design, Instituto Monsa de Ediciones, Bar-

celona 2009.

[4] Minquet J.M., Residential for the elderly: Geriatricos, Instituto

Monsa de Ediciones, Barcelona 2013.

[5] Housing for people of all ages: exible, unrestricted, senior-friendly,

Ch. Schittich (ed.), Edition Detail, Birkhäuser, Basel–Boston–Berlin 2007.

[6] American Institute of Architects, Design for aging review, Images

Publishing Group, Chadstone, Australia, 2016.

[7] Durrett Ch., The senior cohousing handbook: a community ap-

proach to independent living, New Society Publishers, Gabriola

Island, BC, Canada, 2009.

[8] Aspekty medyczne, psychologiczne, socjologiczne i ekonomiczne

starzenia się ludzi w Polsce, M. Mossakowska, A. Więcek, P. Błę-

dowski (red.), Termedia Wydawnictwa Medyczne, Poznań 2012.

[9] Niezabitowska E., Bartoszek A., Kucharczyk-Brus B., Niezabitow-

ski M., Środowisko zamieszkania polskich seniorów w badaniach

inter dyscyplinarnych. Studia przypadków na wybranych przy kła-

dach, Wydawnictwo Naukowe Śląsk, Katowice 2013.

[10] Błędowski P., Szatur-Jaworska B., Szweda-Lewandowska Z., Ku-

bicki P., Raport na temat sytuacji osób starszych w Polsce, Instytut

Pracy i Spraw Socjalnych, Warszawa 2012.

[11] Gronostajska B.E., Kształtowanie środowiska mieszkaniowego dla

seniorów, Ocyna Wydawnicza PWr, Wrocław 2016.

[12] Benek I., Szewczenko A., Ergonomia w projektowaniu obiektów

z funkcją opieki dla osób starszych, “Zeszyty Naukowe Małopol-

skiej Wyższej Szkoły Ekonomicznej w Tarnowie” 2015, t. 27,

nr 2–3, 79–95.

[13]

Labus A., Starzejące się społeczeństwa europejskie XXI wieku w kon -

cepcjach odnowy miejskiej, Wydawnictwo Politechniki Śląskiej, Gli-

wice 2014

[14] Magdziak M., Mieszkalnictwo dla osób starszych w Stanach Zjed-

noczonych Ameryki Północnej, “Architecturae et Artibus” 2009,

Vol. 1, 38–45.

[15] Grabowska-Pałecka H., Poruszanie się i transport osób starszych

i niepełnosprawnych, [in:] W. Wicher (red.), Przestrzeń dla komu-

nikacji w mieście: VIII Ogólnopolska III Międzynarodowa Konfe-

rencja Instytutu Projektowania Urbanistycznego, Kraków, 10–12

maja 2002, “Zeszyty Naukowe Instytutu Projektowania Urbani-

stycznego”, Kraków 2002, 101–108.

[16] Strzelecka-Seredyńska M., Kształtowanie środowiska życia osób

starszych i jego relacji z otoczeniem na przykładzie Kopenhagi,

“Technical Transactions” 2017, R. 114, z. 10, 45–56, doi: 10.4467/

2353737XCT.17.169.7277.

[17] Strzelecka-Seredyńska M., Sustainable residential housing for se-

nior citizens – contemporary projects, “MATEC Web of Conferen-

ces” 2018, Vol. 174, doi: 10.1051/matecconf/201817401032.

[18] Miśniakiewicz A., Rola przestrzeni miejskiej w społecznej aktywi-

zacji środowiska senioralnego, PhD thesis, Politechnika Wrocław-

ska, Wrocław 2019.

[19]

Kominek E., Usługi opiekuńcze nad osobami starszymi w domu w Pol-

sce oraz w Szwecji, [in:] Opieka długoterminowa dla osób star szych

w Szwecji, 2014, 30–33, https://das.mpips.gov.pl/source/opiekasenio-

ralna/OPIEKA%20DUGOTERMINOWA%20DLA%20OSB%20

STARSZYCH%20W%20SZWECJI.pdf [accessed: 31.08.2023].

[20]

Koresawa A., Planning for an ageing society challenges for terri to rial

deve lopment policies, [in:] OECD, Ageing, Housing and Urban De-

velopment, OECD, Paris 2003, 187–217, doi: 10.1787/9789264176102-

[accessed: 25.07.2023].

[21]

Brzeski W., Kirejczyk K., Kozłowski E., Perspektywy rozwoju bu-

downictwa senioralnego w Polsce. Raport Reas, Reas, Warszawa

2014, https://www.kongresbudownictwa.pl/pliki/reas-%20perspekty-

wy%20rozwoju%20budownictwa%20senioralnego.pdf [accessed:

20.07.2023].

[22] Höhn Ch., Avramov D., Kotowska I.E., People, population change

and policies. lessons from the population policy acceptance study,

Vol. 1, Springer Science & Bussines Media, 2008.

[23] Strzelecka-Seredyńska M., Kształtowanie środowiska życia osób

starszych we współczesnym mieście. Wybrane zagadnienia, PhD

thesis, Politechnika Krakowska, Kraków 2019.

[24] System wsparcia osób starszych w środowisku zamieszkania. Prze-

gląd sytuacji. Propozycja modelu, B. Szatur-Jaworska, P. Błędow-

ski (red.), Biuro Rzecznika Praw Obywatelskich, Warszawa 2016

https://bip.brpo.gov.pl/sites/default/les/System%20wsparcia%20

os%C3%B3b%20starszych.pdf [accessed: 25.07.2023].

[25]

Nowe Żerniki, 2020, https://nowezerniki.pl/mieszkania-dla-seniorow-

na-nowych-zernikach/ [accessed: 7.11.2023].

[26] Santa Rita Geriatric Center, 2009, https://architizer.com/projects/

santa-rita-geriatric-centre/ [accessed: 19.07.2023].

[27] Houses for Eldery People in Alcácer do Sal, https://www.google.

com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2a-

hUKEwjl0t_5062BAxVVHxAIHVL9D4IQFnoECBgQA-

Q&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.archdaily.com%2F328516%2Fal-

cacer-do-sal-residences-aires-mateus&usg=AOvVaw2EtV55uNZx-

nGsRumCaNZH0&opi=89978449 [accessed: 7.11.2023].

[28]

Singhal S., Social Complex in Alcabideche, Portugal by Guedes Cruz

Arquitectos, AECCafe Blogs’ 2015, 22 January, https://www10.aecca-

fe.com/blogs/arch-showcase/2015/01/22/social-complex-in-alcabide-

che-portugal-by-guedes-cruz-arquitectos/ [accessed: 19.07.2023].

[29] Day center and Home for the elderly of Blancafort by Guillem Car-

rera, https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/day-center-and-home-el-

derly-blancafort-guillem-carrera [accessed: 19.07.2023].

[30]

Chahine A., Andritz Residential Care Home / Dietger Wissounig

Archi tekten, https://www.architecturelab.net/andritz-residential-

care-home-dietger-wissounig-architekten/ [accessed: 19.07.2023].

96 Tomasz Bradecki, Monika Strzelecka-Seredyńska, Anna Agata Kantarek, Barbara Uherek-Bradecka

Streszczenie

Wybrane zagadnienia współczesnego projektowania mieszkań dla seniorów

– Polska w kontekście europejskim

Troska o środowisko mieszkaniowe dla osób starszych jest coraz bardziej widoczna zarówno w teorii w licznych opracowaniach naukowych, jak

i w praktyce, co znajduje odzwierciedlenie we współczesnych realizacjach. Ośrodki zamieszkania dla seniorów stają się coraz bardziej popularne, a ich

forma i funkcja coraz bardziej złożone, w zależności od potrzeb.

Autorzy zaprezentowali wyniki badania kilkunastu różnych przypadków powstałych po 2005 r. zespołów mieszkaniowo-usługowych z funkcją

opieki zdrowotnej dla osób starszych. Autorzy stawiają tezę, że współcześnie realizowane zespoły dla seniorów charakteryzują się zróżnicowaną mor-

fologią: w niektórych przypadkach powielają strukturę tkanki miejskiej, a w innych wyraźnie się od niej odcinają i tworzą zindywidualizowane formy.

W ocenie jakościowej uwzględniono zalety i wady związane z morfologią zespołów. Autorzy przedstawili również swój indywidualny projekt jako

eksperyment wdrożenia aktualnych trendów w ustalonej lokalizacji (research by design).

Na podstawie omówionych badań można stwierdzić, że zarówno forma, jak i funkcja zespołów senioralnych ewoluuje w zależności od potrzeb.

Programy funkcjonalne i same obiekty są najczęściej dosyć obszerne i skutkują złożonymi układami funkcjonalno-przestrzennymi, wypełniającymi

większość powierzchni działek, na których zostały zaprojektowane. Wnioski z badań mogą być przydatne w badaniach innych ośrodków senioralnych,

szczególnie w przypadkach podejmowania decyzji lokalizacyjnych dla podobnych funkcji.

Słowa kluczowe: zespoły mieszkaniowe dla seniorów, osiedla dla seniorów, opieka senioralna

[31] Dominique Coulon & Associés, Orbec 2015. Home for dependent

elderly people and nursing home, https://coulon-architecte.fr/en/

projet/577/orbec [accessed: 19.07.2023].

[32] Singhal S., Alzheimer residence for the “Foyer la Grange” in Couë-

ron, France by Mabire Reich, https://www10.aeccafe.com/blogs/

arch-showcase/2014/09/03/alzheimer-residence-for-the-foyer-la-

grange-in-coueron-france-by-mabire-reich/ [accessed: 19.07.2023].

[33]

Chahine A., Nenzing Nursing Home / Dietger Wissounig Architects,

https://www.architecturelab.net/nenzing-nursing-home-dietger-wis-

sounig-architects/ [accessed: 19.07.2023].

[34] Chahine A., Housing and health care complex Eltheto / 2by4 ar-

chitects, https://www.architecturelab.net/housing-and-health-care-

complex-eltheto-2by4-architects/ [accessed: 19.07.2023].

[35] Bradecki T., Uherek-Bradecka B., Housing complex for the elderly

in Leboszowice, Gliwice 2021 [manuscript].

[36] Bradecki T., Housing estates for senior citizens – case studies in

Poland, [in:] M. Peřinková, M. Nedved (ed.), VSB 8

Architecture

in Perspective 2016. Sbornik prispevku z mezinarodni konference,

Technická univerzita Ostrava, Ostrava 2016, 97–99.