‘The open typology’: Towards Socially and Economically Sustainable Architectural and Care Models

One aspect that characterizes the 21st century is its accomplishments such as better healthcare systems, improved economies, a reduction in infant mortality, and a growing number of adults living longer. However these accomplishments can have a downside. For example people are living longer while at the same time dementia rates are increasing significantly. Aware of the increase in demand for high dependency related services, while at the same time costs are spiralling possibly out of control of societal budgets, there is a need for a care model-shift. Additionally, difficulties in defining a clear dividing line between normal ageing and pathological ageing have led to a stigmatisation of older adults as a social and economic burden. This type of segregation and stigmatisation must be addressed to ensure future care delivery is inclusive. The positive benefits of an inclusive care system are both social and economic, and at an individual level it can positively impact upon an older adult's mental and physical wellbeing. Taking this position into consideration, the aim of this paper is to describe and empirically explore the Humani-tas in Deventer. A nursing home with a population of 50 older adults with dementia, 80 people with severe physical suffering, 20 people with social difficulties, 10 people in short stay for recovery and 6 university students. This analysis will be adopted as a ‘tool’ for the definition of a new way of conceiving architectural typology; based on the concept of “open system”, described by Richard Sennet. An “open system” that is able to promote a new paradigm of care built on collaboration and teamwork between different categories of health care providers, volunteers, residents and their families. Consequently, this will allow new models in care to “normalize” ageing and its related mental and physical impairments rather than to “medicalize” and stigmatise.