Exploration of Built Environment through the lenses of Elderly – A Case of Amarabati, Kolkata

By : Sudeshna Roy , Varsha Vinod , Keya Mitra

Page No: 485-514

Abstract
The planning and design of built environment plays a crucial role by influencing the perception and behaviour of its users. The initiatives by World Health Organisation (WHO) to promote age-friendly neighbourhoods, creates an opportunity to develop the built environment to accommodate the elderly to lead active lives, with enhanced health, social engagement and independent identity. Issues like senile dementia, visual impairments, cognitive mapping challenges, and a range of psychological issues are frequently brought on by ageing. Hence, the psychological impact, safety, comfort, social potential of urban and architectural spaces plays a major role. This paper aims to explore the built environment through the perception of the elderly, at a neighbourhood level, and identify the various potential challenges to enhance the liveability of the elderly. An extensive literature study, followed by analysis of secondary case studies and CPWD guidelines, aided in understanding the user requirements. The study underscores the importance of addressing elderly issues in urban design and planning guidelines.

Authors
Sudeshna Roy, Undergraduate Student, Department of Architecture and Planning, IIEST Shibpur, West Bengal.
Varsha Vinod, Faculty, Department of Architecture and Planning, IIEST Shibpur, West Bengal.
Keya Mitra, Professor, Department of Architecture and Planning, IIEST Shibpur, West Bengal.
 

DOI: DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2025.57.04.6