Goodlife Studio @ Bukit Purmei

Headed by Montfort Care, a Singapore-founded NGO, Goodlife Studio @ Bukit Purmei is an active aging centre nestled in the void deck of a public housing block within the mature Bukit Merah estate. The estate comprises mainly of multi-generational family units, with grandparents spending most of their day alone while the adults and children are out at work and school, respectively. The noticeable gap in their afternoons and significant reduction in social connections deprive them of opportunities for meaningful interactions with others, ultimately leading to feelings of loneliness and social isolation, taking a toll on their mental health. With the shift from reactive treatments to preventive healthcare, addressing the issue of social isolation is key to allow our seniors to age gracefully into their golden years. Recognizing these opportunities, the design intent is to transform the underutilised void deck space into a social living room for the residents. The design intervention creates an inviting and inclusive environment, while providing opportunities for various programs and empowering seniors to take charge of their learning and health. Understanding the importance of tapping into subjects that seniors are familiar with, such as craftsmanship, the centre is subdivided into 3 zones suited for 3 learning studio settings. ‘Kayu’, which means ‘wood’ in the Malay language, is often used colloquially to describe making a mistake. Recognizing that seniors may face physical limitations as they age, the main studio, “Kayu Artisan” offers a fun and light-hearted environment where they can freely express themselves, understanding that making mistakes is a normal part of the journey and normalising imperfections along the way. In this dynamic setting, the more experienced senior artisans become stewards of the learning community, allowing a continuation of wisdom and knowledge while forging meaningful camaraderie among peers. The centre is fitted with full-height glass doors, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, breaking away from the conventional gated and inward-looking senior care centres, ushering in a new model of active aging centres. In line with the client’s motto to challenge and redefine the stigma of ageing, bright solid hues are paired with muted timber tones to infuse liveliness into the warm toned spaces. Envisioned as a one-stop centre for the seniors in the area, this facility also functions as a healthcare hub. Beyond routine checkups and medication dispensing, it pioneers a unique approach. Nurses are stationed at the forefront of the center, engaging seniors in casual check-ins akin to neighbourly chats, rather than traditional consultations in enclosed rooms. This setup ensures seniors receive accurate and personalized healthcare guidance, reducing their reliance on medical treatments by proactively enhancing their health. The centre is an embodiment of intentional programming and thoughtful design, showcasing how design can empower individuals to age gracefully and healthfully within their own homes and communities.