Embracing Aging: Long House with an Engawa Senior Daycare Center

Center in Yachiyo, Japan, embodies a compassionate approach to caregiving for the elderly, particularly those with dementia. The project reflects a vision where aging is seamlessly integrated into daily life, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Fostering Inclusivity

Mr. Ishii, the client and a caregiver committed to enabling individuals with severe conditions to lead fulfilling lives, inspired the concept behind the senior daycare center. The aim was to create an environment where individuals, regardless of age or ability, could feel a sense of belonging and engagement with the community.

Innovative Design Solutions

Despite challenges posed by the site’s narrow layout and regulatory constraints, the architects devised a creative solution. A 4.55-meter-wide veranda-like floor extends along the building’s length, welcoming visitors and providing access to various areas, including a café, workshop, living room for the elderly, and traditional tatami room and bath.

Human-Scale Spaces

To counterbalance the monumental structure, small walls and volumes were strategically inserted, creating intimate, human-scale spaces within the facility. Careful attention was paid to designing window areas, where elements like daybeds were incorporated to encourage interaction and a sense of “ikata” or being in place.

A Place of Belonging

Through collaboration with local organizations and Mr. Ishii’s company, the daycare center aims to serve as a hub for the community, offering support to single-parent families, children, and individuals with disabilities. It serves as a catalyst for connections among diverse groups, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support.

Community Integration

To seamlessly integrate the facility into the surrounding neighborhood, features like the garden pond and bamboo fence were co-created with local residents. Workshops and activities further enhance community engagement, providing opportunities for people from all walks of life to come together and share meaningful experiences.

A Symbol of Remembrance

The architecture of the Long House with an Engawa Senior Daycare Center evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of traditional Japanese structures like bridges and temples. It serves as a poignant reminder of values and practices that modern society may have overlooked, reconnecting individuals with a deeper sense of cultural heritage and community spirit.