Architecture for dependent seniors : the architecturecompetition as a socio-political instrument todefine space for Ageing in the Twentieth Century Sweden

• Since mid 19th century, approximately seventy-two architecture competitions have been organized in Sweden with a focus on space for dependent senior persons. On three occasions, in 1907, 1948 and in 1979, these competitions were used to promote new architectural thinking and to prepare for a reform of existing social legislation. Starting with two research questions—firstly, what kind of architectural space did the competition documents of these competitions (competition briefs, jury assessment reports and submitted competition entries) define as appropriate for eldercare; and, secondly, did the use of the architecture competition renew thinking about appropriate space for frail older people—this study explores the architectonic realization and the political vision for social work. The study argues the presence of a link between the competition documentations and the ruling welfare typology at the time of the competition. The architecture competition defined guidelines consistent with these paradigms concerning the appropriate space and social work for ageing with chronic conditions. These guidelines designated small-scaled architecture with homelike connotations as the appropriate one for ageing with frailties. The study lends support to an overarching conclusion that the architecture competition influences cultural beliefs about social work and space for dependent ageing since the competition brief encapsulates a political vision that the participating architects interpret spatially. This has led to the progressive realization during the 20th century of the individualized space for dependent seniors.

Subject headings

HUMANIORA  -- Konst -- Arkitektur (hsv//swe)

HUMANITIES  -- Arts -- Architecture (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

ovr (subject category)