ADDIS COLLEGE
Department of Architecture & Urban Planning
01 PROJECT DEFINITION
1. Definition and Introduction
A retirement home is a residential facility designed to accommodate elderly individuals, offering a mix of independent units, assisted care, and social activities.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the design of such spaces should facilitate autonomy while ensuring access to healthcare services and community
interaction (WHO, 2020). Research highlights the importance of integrating aging-in-place principles, ensuring residents have access to physical, emotional, and social
well-being (AARP, 2021).
02 PROJECT SCOPE
The project scope takes a parametric approach, focusing on thematic design, adaptive aging philosophy, site
context, and sustainable design parameters.
03 PROJECT CLASSIFICATION
The retirement home typology can be classified based on three key criteria:
2.1 Thematic Framework
3.1 Typology Based on Size
The design of retirement homes should be based on flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and accessibility.
Studies show that facilities offering different stages of care, from independent living to full-time medical
support, cater best to the needs of aging populations (Harvard Health, 2021). Furthermore, thoughtful
design can reduce stress and enhance residents’ quality of life (University of California, 2020).
2.2 Core Concept and Design Philosophy
Adaptive Aging – Spaces evolve with residents’ changing needs, balancing privacy with
community interaction (National Institute on Aging, 2022).
Human-Centered Design – Architecture addresses memory care, sensory stimulation, and
wayfinding challenges (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023).
Wellness-Oriented Planning – Access to green spaces, natural light, and biophilic elements
enhances mental and physical well-being (Sustainable Architecture Journal, 2022).
2.3 Site Context
2.3.1 Location and Accessibility
The retirement home will be strategically located to ensure:
Proximity to healthcare facilities.
Accessibility to public transportation and major roads. Small-Scale Retirement Homes Medium-Scale Retirement Large-Scale Senior Living
Closeness to cultural and religious centers to support (1,500–3,000 sqm, 10–30 Communities (5,000–10,000 Villages (15,000–50,000 sqm,
spiritual well-being (Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia, 2023). residents): Intimate settings sqm, 50–100 residents): A mix 150–500+ residents): Full-
with communal dining and of private and shared units, service care with healthcare,
2.3.2 Environmental and Climatic Factors
therapy rooms, focusing on therapy centers, and gardens, social spaces, and recreational
Considering Ethiopia’s diverse climate, the design will incorporate: family-oriented care and balancing independence with hubs, supporting active
Passive cooling through cross-ventilation and shaded courtyards. minimal medical support. support. lifestyles and medical needs.
Use of local materials like stone and mud brick for natural insulation.
Rainwater harvesting and solar energy systems to enhance sustainability 3.2 Typology Based on Accommodation Type
(UN Habitat, 2022).
INDEPENDENT LIVING (30-50 sqm units) – Self-contained apartments for seniors requiring
2.4 Design Parameters minimal assistance (AARP, 2022).
2.4.1 Functional Zoning and Spatial Organization
The retirement home will include: ASSISTED LIVING (40-80 sqm units) – Facilities providing daily support, medical care, and
Residential Units – Private and shared accommodations designed for accessibility. communal spaces.
Healthcare Facilities – On-site medical center, therapy rooms, and emergency care units.
Social and Recreational Spaces – Community halls, gardens, and activity rooms. SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES (50-100 sqm units) – Full-time medical care, specialized
Outdoor Areas – Walking trails, shaded seating, and meditation gardens. rehabilitation services.
Religious and Cultural Centers – Dedicated spaces for prayer and traditional gatherings.
2.4.2 Structural and Aesthetic Considerations MEMORY CARE UNITS (30-60 sqm rooms) – Designed for cognitive impairments, enhanced
wayfinding features (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023).
Ethiopian-Inspired Architecture – Courtyard-style layouts promoting community living.
Use of Sustainable Materials – Locally sourced bamboo, adobe, and natural stone 3.3 Typology Based on Architectural Style
(Gebremariam, 2021).
Safety Features – Non-slip floors, wide hallways, and ramps for accessibility. TRADITIONAL COURTYARD LAYOUTS – Encourages outdoor engagement and social interaction.
2.4.3 Form Consideration MODERN HIGH-RISE DESIGNS – Ideal for urban settings, integrating healthcare and leisure (WHO,
Retirement home design should prioritize community, accessibility, and flexibility, including:
Courtyard layout for social engagement and shaded outdoor spaces (National Institute on 2023).
Aging, 2022). ECO-FRIENDLY PASSIVE HOUSING – Focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and biophilic
Modular design for future expansion (Sustainable Architecture Journal, 2022).
Multi-level terraces and sloped pathways for accessibility (WHO, 2023). elements (Sustainable Architecture Journal, 2022).
Based on the research, the project will focus on creating a supportive environment for assisted living within a human-centered adaptive aging framework. The medium-sized site, ranging from
5,000 to 10,000 sqm, will accommodate 50 to 100 residents. The design will prioritize assisted living to address the growing needs of the aging community, complemented by a hospital to
meet medical requirements. The layout will feature courtyards and eco-friendly housing, fostering a familiar, wellness-oriented environment for seniors.
04 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
The following table summarizes key considerations derived from the project’s scope, typologies, and design classifications. These findings provide essential
insights to inform and guide the design process, ensuring the retirement home meets the diverse needs of its residents.
key Consideration Design Implication
Prioritize locations near hospitals, public transport, and parks for easy access
Site Selection – Ensuring Accessibility to Healthcare and Services to services.
Include ramps, wide doors, and emergency systems to create barrier-free
Universal Accessibility – Prioritizing Safety and Inclusivity environments.
Design spaces like therapy rooms, gyms, and wellness areas to promote overall
Health and Wellness – Supporting Medical and Recreational Needs health.
Develop communal spaces like storytelling lounges, interactive gardens, and
Social Engagement – Enhancing Community Connections hobby studios to foster community connections.
Integrate solar power, rainwater harvesting, and passive cooling to reduce
Sustainability – Driving Long-term Efficiency and Environmental Impact operational costs and environmental impact.
Implement AI-driven systems, automated lighting, and voice-activated controls
Smart Technology – Enhancing Comfort and Security for a more comfortable and secure living environment.
Include biophilic elements, sensory gardens, and outdoor therapy spaces to
Nature Integration – Promoting Emotional Well-being
connect residents with nature.
Small-scale homes should focus on community spaces, while large villages
Spatial Planning – Tailoring Design to Building Type
need integrated healthcare and recreational hubs.
Use warm materials, soft lighting, and low-rise buildings to make spaces feel
Human-Scaled Design – Creating a Sense of Belonging
inviting and comfortable.
Design modular and expandable structures that can evolve with future needs
Flexibility in Layouts – Ensuring Adaptability for Future Needs
and changing healthcare standards.
Prepared By :- Edlawit Kebede (234/13) Submitted to :- Instructor : wubeshet & Yohannes Date:-12-03-2025 G.C COORDINATED DESIGN lV PROJECT FRAMEWORK
