Client
Elderhood
Year
2022
Services
PlacemakingThe Concept
This project was an exploration of the ways in which our neighbourhood could better serve people in their old age. Funded by the Irish Arts Council through Self-Organised Architecture, we explored, by means of workshops, models, mapping and conversations with people of all ages, how the homes and shared spaces of the area could better serve people in their old age, which of course would make them better for everyone. Workshops included one that catered specifically for elderly people in partnership with BCC’s Age Friendly Belfast, and another that featured a walk around the local area, using maps and colour-coded stickers to identify barriers to mobility.
We then co-designed and illustrated solutions to the diversity of issues raised (which included loneliness, mobility and accessibility issues, among others). Ideas ranged from simple, easily deliverable things like trimming hedges to create space on footpaths, and adding more benches, to more major interventions such as public toilets, a plaza and bicycle infrastructure.
These ideas were all illustrated by means of a model and a map, with little illustrations depicting each idea, and were exhibited and presented across Ireland, including in a pop-up welcome space we created in a vacant shop unit in Ballyhackamore.
Project carried out in parallel with projects by Islander Architects in Balbriggan and Ailbhe Cunningham in Cork.
