Sensory-supported spatial activation: architectural strategies for elderly social engagement a focus on private retirement facilities in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Population ageing in Sri Lanka has increased reliance on Residential Care Facilities (RCFs), highlighting the need for environments that support both social engagement and sensory comfort. This study examines how spatial configuration and sensory qualities influence elderly social interaction across three private RCF case studies. A two-phase mixed-methods approach was adopted: Phase 1 used activity mapping and administrative interviews to identify intentionally designed and organically activated social spaces; Phase 2 gathered residents’ perceptions through unstructured interviews and walk-along conversations. Findings show that organically activated spaces – those used voluntarily without institutional prompting – were consistently associated with proximity to living quarters, visual connection to engaging surroundings and comfort-related sensory attributes such as thermal regulation, seating quality and acoustic control. Smaller group formats were preferred for fostering meaningful interaction. The study concludes that social interaction is best supported when spatial accessibility, sensory comfort and emotional resonance align. A resident-centred spatial design framework is proposed to guide future architectural and operational strategies in Sri Lankan eldercare settings.