Elderly-oriented Reconstruction Plans of Outer Public Space in Small Town Communities

Abstract

Along with accelerated “elderly-oriented” process, solving all kinds of social problems brought by elderly-oriented population has become our nation’s urgent task. At present, home-based care plays a significant role in old-age security model in China. Besides, the key step to promote harmonious development of society is to build a living environment suitable for the elders. In recent decades, we have built large numbers of residential communities. Environment quality of outer public space of some buildings is not suitable for elders to live. This thesis adopted some research methods such as document analysis, field research and questionnaire survey. The objects of thesis are residential communities built during 1910s to 1920s in Dujiangyan City. This thesis analysed the satisfaction and demands of elders for the communities’ outer space environment and communities’ public space environment. After considering elders’ characteristics and demands, this thesis put forward plans for elderly-oriented reconstruction of outer public space in small town communities from five aspects: community entrance and exit space, activity space, road system, lighting and marking system and public green, effectively optimized and improved the environment quality of outer public space of the communities.