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Context
Students will be able to showcase their ideas and introduce the concepts through innovative designs that enable everyone to create a safe, hygienic and comfortable home that they love every day. Multigenerational living under one roof presents a myriad of challenges and opportunities for designers to make a real meaningful impact on family lives.
Overview
Multigenerational Design
Designed with the elderly, PWDs, children and adults in mind first and foremost The toilet design takes hygiene, comfort, aesthetics, safety and sustainability into consideration as well. With the theme of Modern Japanese which focuses on simplicity and nature. Materials used are mostly organic or in its raw natural state, giving the space a certain level of comfort at a subconscious level. The clear view of the whole bathroom makes i t intuitive to navigate Users no matter old, young, short, tall or on a wheelchair can access the space and its main functions with ease The window connects the bathroom to the outside world giving the space a natural glow in the day The space allows for clear ventilation and has many safety features hidden in plain sight of the design of the space There are many smooth and connected fixtures with little grooves to allow for ease of cleaning. No matter what time of the day, with or without the artificial warm lights, the space is clearly visible and easy to navigate, from the entrance.
Functions
Shower Area
When you reach the shower area, you might have noticed the wall design. It serves as a handlebar to navigate the space without other people’s assistance, and should anyone fall over, they can get themselves up with the wall handles or the surrounding fixtures. While showering, the user can make use of the seat or the handle of the sliding door to keep them upright as they take a shower. There is a curtain to further separate the shower place so that the other side where you place your fresh clothing and towels stay dry and you can immediately use them after showering. The cabinet stores house cleaning essentials like a mop, pail and detergents etc. water will not be collected in the handles because it is slightly tilted allowing water to flow out
Ventilation
There is gap above the shower area to the other side at the bathroom to allow for the steam to spread out, if not there is also a sliding frosted window for privacy and ventilation as well. The window itself has a second layer of invisible safety wire so that the natural light is not obstructed while keeping children safe as well should they attempt to climb out.
Toilet Area
The space is big enough to put a whole group of people within the space, it also shows how easily anyone regardless of size can reach and use the facilities within the bathroom. Should there be a need where the elderly or children requires help in the bathroom, their helper or parent can assist them comfortably and keep them insight at all times. There is also a huge floor to ceiling sized mirror making the space seem larger and simply for users to check themselves out especially since the bathroom can also serve as a changing room.
Movement
The Bathroom was designed to have sufficient space even for the wheelchair bound person to turn and move around the bathroom with ease. As you can see , the sink is also design to leave a gap below for wheelchair users to get closer and use the sink effectively. It is also easier for maintenance should there be any issues with the basin pipe.
Design Rationale
The ergonomic design of the space, considering the elderly and children’s anthropology, made the space and fixtures easily accessible. The use of material and the Japanese Modern theme as explained previously, assists the multigenerational aspect of this design challenge as well. Another thing to note is the sustainability of the cleaning the space, as we all age, physical activities can cause a big strain on us and would be best to consider how we clean the space as well. With lesser grooves, smooth seamless surfaces and few hard to reach areas, there is lesser dirt collected and is much easier to clean a few smooth surfaces thus elderly can also keep the space clean without too much effort.
The design approach balances hygiene, ergonomics, safety, and convenience especially for the elderly and children, to have a home catered to and loved by every family member
Reflection:
In the ASDA multigenerational washroom design competition I managed to reach the national finals against well-known institutions like Raffles College of Higher Education, Lasalle, NAFA.
Aside from the fun & meaningful project I have created, I am more glad to have gained valuable connections with fellow competitors and great advice from the judges.
^ Submission entry & more competition information
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