A supportive healthful housing environment for ageing: Singapore experiences and potentials for improvements

Abstract

A supportive healthful housing environment for ageing requires further adjustments of the Singapore Housing Development Board model of social housing. Suggestions for improvements follow the critical examination of typical examples according to common criteria for healthfulness. Deficiencies of the current linear model directly connecting needs to design solutions are addressed in the proposed network model in which aspirations are realised through environmental choices and opportunities. A transdisciplinary approach to environmental support unveils the need to consider design and spaces as social care tools. In conclusion, design of supportive healthful environments requires empowering the user-experts and embracing the holistic approach to design, upgrade and reuse of the ample HDB stock.