Diseño para la readecuación del ¨Centro Integral del Adulto Mayor¨ de la ciudad de Ambato

Abstract

The Comprehensive Senior Center in Ambato is much more than a physical space; it is a place designed to promote the well-being, autonomy, and dignity of a vulnerable and growing population. This center seeks to offer a safe, accessible, and comfortable environment that responds to the multiple physical, social, and emotional needs of older adults. The center's renovation is proposed as a comprehensive architectural intervention that not only improves the current infrastructure but also promotes inclusion and quality of life for its users. To develop this proposal, a comprehensive analysis was conducted, including architectural surveys, interviews with users and staff, and a regulatory study that ensured compliance with national laws and international best practices. The residents' physical limitations, such as reduced mobility and risk of falls, were assessed, as was the importance of spaces that promote social interaction, cognitive stimulation, and recreation. This allowed for the definition of design criteria based on universal accessibility, environmental comfort, the use of warm materials, and the incorporation of biophilic elements. The project proposes the creation of flexible and multifunctional spaces, including green areas, therapeutic gardens, and socializing areas with ergonomic furniture, which facilitate integration and active aging. Furthermore, structural safety was prioritized through the rehabilitation of critical areas and the improvement of access and pathways. The architectural proposal seeks to transform the Comprehensive Center into a benchmark for comprehensive care for older adults in Ambato, promoting their physical, emotional, and social well-being in a dignified and stimulating environment.