In recent years, to cope with an ageing population, Chinese investors have started converting abandoned school buildings into elderly care facilities.
Current research on these conversion projects has limitations, as most studies focus on case analyses with few methods for evaluating the effectiveness of elderly care facilities. Therefore, this study aims to compare the design strategies and occupant experiences between urban and rural conversion cases in China, providing a theoretical foundation for implementing future conversion programs.
This study conducted a nationwide census of conversion cases and sampled 11 cases for in-depth surveys. The ADL, IADL, and MMSE medical scales were used to collect basic information about the elderly, the Dignity EAT scale was used to evaluate the environment, and a 24-hour fixed-area observation (POE) was performed on the occupant.
Some of the census conclusions: Currently, the number of rural cases in China is about three times that of urban areas, with most located in central and eastern China. Most abandoned rural schools are low-rise, brick-built, and self-constructed. Although the quality of the care environment is relatively poor, the occupancy rates are high.
The sample survey conclusions include: 1. Rural funding is scarce, and conversion mainly focuses on meeting basic needs. Functional zoning, occupant movement, and the appropriate design of diverse communication spaces must be considered; 2. With sufficient urban funds, it is desirable to balance courtyard and architecture conversion, design more diverse spatial patterns, and enhance the home-like atmosphere of institutions.

Authors:
Satoshi Ishii, Tohoku Institute of Technology, Japan
Xiaolian Yu, Tohoku Institute of Technology, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Xiaolian Yu is currently a doctoral student of architecture at the Tohoku Institute of Technology, Japan. He has been focusing on exploring architectural design methods that suit the behavioral characteristics and usage preferences of the elderly.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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