Biophilic architecture for the salutogenic well-being of elders: a focus on elderly care centre design

Abstract

The condition of the built environment acts as a determining factor in the health of its occupants. Elders as a user category benefit from having a built environment that promotes well-being. Generally, responses formulated within the built environment focus on the physical health of elders. This study goes beyond that limitation and considers the complex cognitive and psychological needs of elders residing in Elderly Care Centre facilities. Though the application of the theory of Salutogenesis and Biophilic Architecture characteristics in the design of Elderly Care Centres has been researched independently, studies that look into the combined application of both aspects and their impact are a research gap that is explored in this study. It utilises a mixed-method approach, focusing on a selected case study, an Elderly Care Centre in a suburban area of Sri Lanka. Data is gathered through questionnaire surveys, on-site interviews, and activity mapping to evaluate existing salutogenic conditions. Computational three-dimensional models are then generated to virtually develop the existing spaces and re-evaluate the subjective salutogenic experiences of elders. Findings of the research elaborate on how the application of biophilic architecture attributes has impacted Elders’ salutogenic health domains and their balance. The framework, developed with consideration for stakeholder inputs, consists of architectural implications useful for future design processes.