Manvi Mukesh Vyas, who recently completed the MSc Sustainable Architectural Design programme at the University of Lincoln, created a blueprint for new accommodation that would enhance the quality of life for elderly people as part of the worldwide Integrated Communities: A Society for All Ages student design initiative.
The competition was part of the International Council for Caring Communities (ICCC) global activity. It invited Architecture students around the world to apply their design talents in developing solutions that place elderly people at the heart of their communities. It was organised in conjunction with the UN Programme for Human Settlements (UNHABITAT) and the UN Programme on Ageing from the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), to meet the needs of an ageing society while showcasing the world’s most innovative design talent.
In February 2014, Manvi was selected as one of nine winners from hundreds of entries. Alongside Dr Amira Elnokaly, Programme Leader for Sustainable Architecture & Design, she was invited to present to ambassadors and officials at the 52nd Session of the Commission for Social Development at the UN headquarters in New York.
Now, Manvi will present her work at the 16th China International Real Estate and Architectural Technology Fair (CIHAF).
Manvi’s work includes suggestions for a new design of care home community in India, based on sustainable principles. As well as ecological accommodation, her proposal makes the case for workshops, games, entertainment and handicraft activities, which could dramatically improve the lifestyle of elderly residents and encourage community cohesion.
Manvi said: “My design is centred around the four pillars of sustainability; environmental, economic, social and cultural; and is focused on empowering the senior community by enhancing physical, spiritual, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. The project makes a proposal for a comfortable and safe home, which is important for developing confidence and independence among older members of society, and the fact that it is environmentally friendly and requires low maintenance ensures that the development would also be financially and socially sustainable.”
Manvi’s tutor and programme leader at the Lincoln School of Architecture & Design, Dr Amira Elnokaly, said: “I am so proud of Manvi and would like to congratulate her on her great success. One of the main objectives on our Sustainable Architectural Design programme here at Lincoln is to encourage students to get involved in real-life projects and international competitions, which are invaluable means of progressing professional development.”
For more information on the competition, visit: http://international-iccc.org/category/activities/2015/
