The Architecture of Happiness Approach

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 89 views

Introduction

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of city life, nursing homes or treatment houses for the elderly are often a solution for parents who need a place to live. However, many nursing homes in North Sumatra, especially in Medan, face various limitations, especially in the facilities provided. Lack of space and activities that support social life and the welfare of the elderly become a significant problem. Therefore, the design of the Wredha orphanage with the "Architecture of Happiness" approach is present as an answer to improve the quality of life of the elderly.

The Architecture of Happiness Approach

This approach focuses on the creation of an environment that can increase the productivity and confidence of the elderly, so they feel more powerful and socially empowered. In this context, the design of the Wredha orphanage not only provides a place to live, but also makes the place as a community that supports social interaction and useful activities. The "Architecture of Happiness" approach is a design philosophy that prioritizes the well-being and happiness of its users, in this case, the elderly.

Elderly-Friendly Design Guidelines

Based on the publication of "Elderly-Friendly Design Guidelines," there are four main principles that must be considered in designing elderly-friendly space: safety, support, cognition, and prosperity. Applying these four principles will help create space that is not only functional, but also fun and comfortable for its residents.

Safety: The design of the nursing home should prioritize the safety of its residents, with features such as wide corridors, non-slip flooring, and emergency call systems.
Support: The design should provide support for the physical and emotional needs of the elderly, with features such as accessible bathrooms, comfortable seating areas, and social spaces.
Cognition: The design should stimulate the cognitive abilities of the elderly, with features such as visual and auditory stimulation, and opportunities for social interaction.
Prosperity: The design should promote a sense of well-being and happiness among the elderly, with features such as natural light, comfortable temperatures, and access to outdoor spaces.

Design Considerations

Furthermore, there are six considerations in designing elderly-friendly space, which becomes a methodology in the design process. These considerations are:

Simplification of Building Mass: The design of the nursing home should be simple and easy to navigate, with a clear and logical layout.
Space Hierarchy: The design should create a clear hierarchy of spaces, with separate areas for different activities, such as lobbying, residential areas, maintenance areas, activity areas, and services.
Natural Light: The design should maximize the use of natural light, with features such as large windows, skylights, and solar tubes.
Comfortable Temperatures: The design should provide comfortable temperatures, with features such as air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems.
Access to Outdoor Spaces: The design should provide access to outdoor spaces, with features such as gardens, parks, and courtyards.
Visual and Auditory Stimulation: The design should stimulate the senses of the elderly, with features such as visual and auditory stimulation, and opportunities for social interaction.

Design of the Wredha Orphanage

The design of the Wredha orphanage with the "Architecture of Happiness" approach is a response to the limitations faced by many nursing homes in North Sumatra, especially in Medan. The design prioritizes the safety, support, cognition, and prosperity of its residents, with features such as:

Central Park: A central park that serves as a green open space, with opportunities for gardening activities and relaxation.
Separate Areas: Separate areas for different activities, such as lobbying, residential areas, maintenance areas, activity areas, and services.
Natural Light: Maximization of natural light, with features such as large windows, skylights, and solar tubes.
Comfortable Temperatures: Provision of comfortable temperatures, with features such as air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems.
Access to Outdoor Spaces: Access to outdoor spaces, with features such as gardens, parks, and courtyards.
Visual and Auditory Stimulation: Stimulation of the senses of the elderly, with features such as visual and auditory stimulation, and opportunities for social interaction.

Conclusion

Q: What is the Architecture of Happiness approach?

A: The Architecture of Happiness approach is a design philosophy that prioritizes the well-being and happiness of its users, in this case, the elderly. It focuses on creating an environment that can increase the productivity and confidence of the elderly, so they feel more powerful and socially empowered.

Q: What are the four main principles of elderly-friendly design?

A: The four main principles of elderly-friendly design are:

Safety: The design of the nursing home should prioritize the safety of its residents, with features such as wide corridors, non-slip flooring, and emergency call systems.
Support: The design should provide support for the physical and emotional needs of the elderly, with features such as accessible bathrooms, comfortable seating areas, and social spaces.
Cognition: The design should stimulate the cognitive abilities of the elderly, with features such as visual and auditory stimulation, and opportunities for social interaction.
Prosperity: The design should promote a sense of well-being and happiness among the elderly, with features such as natural light, comfortable temperatures, and access to outdoor spaces.

Q: What are the six considerations in designing elderly-friendly space?

A: The six considerations in designing elderly-friendly space are:

Simplification of Building Mass: The design of the nursing home should be simple and easy to navigate, with a clear and logical layout.
Space Hierarchy: The design should create a clear hierarchy of spaces, with separate areas for different activities, such as lobbying, residential areas, maintenance areas, activity areas, and services.
Natural Light: The design should maximize the use of natural light, with features such as large windows, skylights, and solar tubes.
Comfortable Temperatures: The design should provide comfortable temperatures, with features such as air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems.
Access to Outdoor Spaces: The design should provide access to outdoor spaces, with features such as gardens, parks, and courtyards.
Visual and Auditory Stimulation: The design should stimulate the senses of the elderly, with features such as visual and auditory stimulation, and opportunities for social interaction.

Q: What are some of the features of the design of the Wredha orphanage?

A: Some of the features of the design of the Wredha orphanage include:

Central Park: A central park that serves as a green open space, with opportunities for gardening activities and relaxation.
Separate Areas: Separate areas for different activities, such as lobbying, residential areas, maintenance areas, activity areas, and services.
Natural Light: Maximization of natural light, with features such as large windows, skylights, and solar tubes.
Comfortable Temperatures: Provision of comfortable temperatures, with features such as air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems.
Access to Outdoor Spaces: Access to outdoor spaces, with features such as gardens, parks, and courtyards.
Visual and Auditory Stimulation: Stimulation of the senses of the elderly, with features such as visual and auditory stimulation, and opportunities for social interaction.

Q: How can the design of the nursing home contribute to the quality of life of the elderly?

A: The design of the nursing home can contribute to the quality of life of the elderly by providing a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment that promotes their physical, emotional, and social well-being. By prioritizing safety, support, cognition, and prosperity, we can create space that is not only a place to live, but also as a pleasant and meaningful home for the elderly.

Q: What are some of the benefits of the Architecture of Happiness approach?

A: Some of the benefits of the Architecture of Happiness approach include:

Improved quality of life: The design of the nursing home can contribute to the quality of life of the elderly by providing a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment.
Increased productivity: The design of the nursing home can increase the productivity and confidence of the elderly, so they feel more powerful and socially empowered.
Enhanced well-being: The design of the nursing home can promote a sense of well-being and happiness among the elderly, with features such as natural light, comfortable temperatures, and access to outdoor spaces.
Improved social interaction: The design of the nursing home can provide opportunities for social interaction, with features such as social spaces, visual and auditory stimulation, and opportunities for social interaction.