China’s people are ageing. About 30 per cent of Shanghai’s population is already over 60 and, by 2050, 25 per cent of the national population is forecast to be over 65. Focus is therefore shifting towards disease prevention and chronic disease management. This older population, the majority of whom have only one child, will need appropriate care services and facilities, as the traditional familial care system becomes less equipped to cope with complex conditions associated with ageing.

Practical application: Evergreen Homeland, Shanghai aims to: deliver healthcare in a safe, compassionate environment; advance that care through innovative research and humanistic consideration; and improve users’ health and wellbeing.

To ensure this inclusive approach, while encouraging self-sufficiency, interaction and active lifestyles, the design takes inspiration from the Chinese scroll, ‘YaJi’. It portrays traditional Chinese activities – ranging from tea ceremonies to games, calligraphy, meditation and music – expressing the essence of ancient Chinese culture and lifestyle. These activities translate into a variety of public, semi-public and private spaces, which aim to build a vibrant community connecting people, nature and culture.

Outcomes: Evidence-based design strategies respond effectively to the challenges of designing for both physical and memory care needs. Materials to minimise falls and the chance of healthcare-associated infections address physical health concerns, while emotional wellbeing is supported through provision of ample daylight, selection of natural materials and use of planting, and acoustic noise-reducing strategies.

To ensure the Memory Care ward is safe and nurturing, ten principles of dementia design were implemented. Bland, repetitive environments can be confusing for dementia sufferers, so variation and diversity were included in the design, as well as familiarity. Back-of-house doors are hidden to reduce unwanted stimuli, and memory boxes displaying personal items at room entrances support wayfinding.

Thought was given to bedroom furniture – open wardrobes, for example, encourage independence. Nooks for displaying mementos are also provided in the built-in units.

Implications: As China’s need for these facilities increases, it’s hoped that the culturally specific and evidence-based design features of this award-winning project will help inform a new wave of highly functional and culturally sensitive care facilities for the elderly in China.