Geriartric Centre
The aging population is a global challenge of our time. Ensuring that the elderly live in respectable conditions has never been more important. Japan, with its significant number of elderly people and highest life expectancy, offers valuable insights. In collaboration with Motoyasu Muramatsu Architects, experts in designing safe environments for the elderly, we unveiled a project for a geriatric center in a Moscow district.
The proposed site, shaped like an elongated triangle, features multiple zones. The western part welcomes visitors to the center, the eastern part contains the medical facilities and therapy rooms, and the central area is designed for walking and socializing in a natural landscape. Covered walkways on the second floor connect all the buildings, minimizing distances and providing seamless transitions between zones. The northern perimeter has a leisure complex with two floors of open space and 24 south-facing apartments with terraces on the third floor.
To prevent the residents from feeling isolated, a thoughtful architectural design made the building’s boundaries permeable, offering clear views both inside and outside. A long passageway running east to west, lined with trees and iron rails, acts as a buffer zone between the center and the nearby highway, preserving an open view.
The project focused on three main objectives. First, it aimed to create a space that offers diverse experiences while ensuring the complete safety of the residents. To maintain closeness to nature, trees are planted throughout the site, with a water feature, paths, and benches. Walkways between buildings are elevated so residents can enjoy views of the garden in all weather conditions. Large panoramic windows allow even those indoors to enjoy the changing seasons.
Second, the design offers residents the freedom to choose their activities based on their preferences, mood, and health. For those seeking activity, the leisure center includes a swimming pool and a rehabilitation hall, and each residential building has an open area on the ground floor for gardening, crafts, socializing, or watching TV. Those desiring privacy can retreat to their living quarters or move around easily, as all pathways are equipped with ramps.
Third, the project strives to create a comfortable environment for residents, visitors, and staff alike. Visitors have a convenient entrance and a large canopy-covered porch for easy access in all weather conditions. From there, they can head to the lobby and use ramps to the rooftop to enjoy views of the courtyard garden. Visitors can explore any part of the grounds, share activities with residents, and walk through the garden, which includes a playground for children. The goal is to create a welcoming and positive atmosphere for everyone, reinforcing the residents’ well-being.
Designing a social care facility goes beyond practical functionality; it also aims to make a lasting emotional impact. While it’s easy to fall into purely functional design, addressing all the needs of people with special requirements is crucial.
Architect Motoyasu Muramatsu has captured the essence of this ethos in the geriatric center’s design: architecture should evoke memories and emotions every day, helping residents not just to live, but to truly love life.
