Intergenerational Center. Revitalization of the Placement Center for elderly and disabled, Chisinau

Technical University of Moldova, Urbanism and Architecture Faculty

Project idea

Due to the global demographic changes, migration and the lack of public education that supports ageism and generation gap, as a solution and already a necessity, it would be great to bring children and old people together so they could communicate, play, do sports together and learn from each other. Therefore the project aims to create a multi-functional space for both children and old people that will bring benefits such as social inclusion for elderly, intergenerational learning, and development of the community spirit, a space where all people, no matter how old they are, would feel useful, happy and loved.
This project is a pioneer idea in the Republic of Moldova, ensuring the nexus between several fields.

Project description

From the perspective of sustainability, the concept of the Intergenerational Center is based on revitalization of the existing Placement Center for elderly and disabled people in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. This is an international practice over time, in preventing new constructions with a negative impact on the environment. The main purpose of the project is the re-use of the existing building and space and its adaptation to the needs of the institutionalized elderly and children, based on modern trends of revitalization in architecture, according to which the international standards are oriented towards an "age-friendly" environment.
The existing institution consists of 4 blocks with a rectangular shape in plan, with the administrative, housing, medical and recreational functions. The construction of the building is old; the degree of wear is 70%. The territory of the center has an area of 4.2 ha, but it is poorly arranged. The project proposes to reorganize the functions on floors, to add several active and passive recreational areas for the elderly, to add banking and postal services. The roofs are proposed to be transformed into open green terraces. In addition, a new two floor building, hosting the kindergarten for 100 children, will be designed. In order to facilitate the intergenerational dialogue, it is proposed to create an inner courtyard covered with a canopy, which will serve as an intergenerational area. This Intergenerational zone can be used for different activities such as concerts, shows, sports competitions, games, etc.

Technical information

The resistance structure of the existing buildings consists of frames filled with load-bearing limestone masonry, dim. 500 mm. The foundation is made of reinforced concrete blocks. Prefabricated panels were used for the floor. Plaster was used for the interior and exterior finish. The building corresponds to grade II fire resistance. It is equipped with an automatic fire alarm system. There are 8 exits, 2 provided for each of the buildings.
For the new building (kindergarten), a cellular construction system is proposed with a 6 m distance between the structural walls. The foundation is proposed to be executed in the form of a continuous reinforced concrete slab. It is proposed to use 120 mm brick partitions, 500 mm BCA block exterior walls and 100 mm modular glass walls. For the exterior finish, it is proposed to use plaster, so that BCA does not lose its thermal insulation capacity. The use of glass walls ensures brightness and transparency of interior spaces, providing protection against excessive cold and heat.
The canopy is made of metal frame and 12 mm triplex glass. According to calculations, the canopy is supported on steel pillars with a diameter of 325 mm.

Documentation

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