Independent living in later life: A design proposal for a seasonal retirement community in Lijiang
Loading...
Supplementary material
Other Title
Authors
Gao, Yali
Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)
Degree
Master of Architecture (Professional)
Grantor
Date
2025
Supervisors
Su, Bin
McConchie, Graeme
McConchie, Graeme
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Lijiang (China)
Yunan Sheng (China)
China
older people
retirement villages
well being
accommodation
mental health
social engagement
independent living
architecture for older people
Chinese architecture
architecture and society
Yunan Sheng (China)
China
older people
retirement villages
well being
accommodation
mental health
social engagement
independent living
architecture for older people
Chinese architecture
architecture and society
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Gao, Y. (2025) Independent living in later life: A design proposal for a seasonal retirement community in Lijiang (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)). Unitec, Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
https://hdl.handle.net/10652/7269
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION
What architectural design elements and strategies are most effective in promoting the physical, psychological, and social well-being of elderly individuals living independently?
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
The number of elderly Chinese citizens will surpass 400 million by 2035 as China experiences rapid demographic change. Modern changes in lifestyle have highlighted a central design task that revolves around creating environments which sustain independent, healthy, and meaningful aging for the elderly population. The study presents an innovative spatial concept that focuses on independent living, through which seniors can preserve self-reliance and achieve optimal health benefits.
The facility resides within Lijiang, Yunnan Province, which enjoys fame for its balmy plateau weather conditions and its unspoiled ambiance, together with its deep cultural roots. The proposed travel-based wellness retirement community uses local advantages from its environment and culture to serve residents who need short or extended stays. The project demonstrates a revolutionary approach toward using architecture as a tool to boost independent living through unrestricted movement with social connections for elderly individuals who want self-determining lifestyles.
A system of courtyard clusters, together with a wellness hub center, cultural studios, and landscape pathways, forms the basis of space design to enable independent daily activities, maintaining privacy and gentle social contacts. The design system includes units built for various time frames, which work for individual seniors, pairs, and people requiring limited support services. The integrated smart health-monitoring technology systems create protective systems that safeguard privacy, together with the dignity of users.
The research merges analytical methods, which include a literary examination, with precedent research, in addition to direct physical site study and progressive design work, to develop a culturally based and environment-oriented senior living concept. The design introduces a replacement for institutional settings through empowering elderly adults to remain in their homes and live according to their preferences within an environment that supports and motivates them.
Publisher
Permanent link
Link to ePress publication
DOI
Copyright holder
Author
Copyright notice
All rights reserved