Analysing the Socially Enhancing Elements of Space in Four Senior Cohousing Sites

Abstract

In today's rapidly ageing society, it's becoming increasingly important to develop more diverse, non-institutional and community-based housing architecture for older people. Research shows that maintaining strong social networks helps people maintain health and cognitive ability. Therefore, the need for developing old-age housing solutions that can be socially enhancing is not only a matter of providing comfort but can also contribute to overall health and wellbeing. Looking at architecture as a stage for encounters, we can assume certain features can be socially enhancing, whereas others can be neutral, inconsequential or even hinder social contact. The paper looks at identifying socially enhancing elements of architecture in the case of senior cohousing. This is done by consulting literature and the subsequent evaluation of four different sites found in Denmark. The results show how the interaction of different socially enhancing elements can produce various results, hoping to assist decision-making for planners in the future.

Keywords: Senior housing, cohousing, social