PROJECT BRIEF
To design a modular outdoor furniture piece for NANA NANI parks in Pune which helps the old people to sit in groups as well as alone and suits their posture while sitting. Also make it comfortable enough for them to lie down.
NANA NANI PARKS
Walking is the best exercise and it is a must for Senior Citizens. In present day society, crowded localities with rickshaws, buses and private vehicles all-around, they need their own space. In the Morning & Evening, large number of the elderly are taking advantage of this beautiful natural atmosphere of the Garden with a cup of tea. They arrange many programmes in the Garden including medical camps, lectures, bhajans etc and go for picnics too.
These beautiful gardens was a Home within a Home for Senior Citizens, facilitating meetings with their own age to share their joys & sorrows. It relieved them from urban congestion and gave them spacious spaces not only for walking but also to enjoy the company of other elder people for the time being. This proved socially, mentally and physically of therapeutic value for them.
FIELD RESEARCH
This Nana Nani Park is located 100 metres from Amanora mall towards Kharadi, Magarpatta, Pune. Climate is generally pleasant due to all the trees planted around which give enough shade for people to sit comfortably.
*These pictures were clicked on site.
OBSERVATION AND CONCLUSION
After the visits, I came up with the following problems to be tackled:
*The metal benches are of no use during summers because they are exposed to sunlight during day and they get heated up. Either changing the material or planting trees around it that could prevent it from heating up is needed to be done.
*The benches should be of uniform height as there are people of different ages and with different health issues using the same furniture.
*The main purpose of the old citizens coming to a garden is to socialize. All of them should be able to sit and talk properly. Benches are very randomly placed and isolated from each other.
*Benches need to have some storage area for the old people to keep their stuff and relax.
*Benches should be more comfortable keeping in mind old people love to sleep. A system of seating should be provided which could help both a group of people or a single person to sit, relax and sleep.
FINAL OUTPUT
A gazebo was made with bamboo which provided the old people with seating under a roof. This gazebo would be a perfect addition to the nana nani park as its modular seating provides them different options to sit in a group facing each other or sit in rows individually. A window at an average height of their necks and heads was given if they wish to join the group conversation. It also includes a trelis made of bamboo spilts and creepers to add aesthetic value to the furniture. The seat was weaved out of jute rope as the elderly always prefer a comfortable seating over a hard surface.
The main aim of a nana nani park is to provide the elderly with their own space where they could find more people of their age and socialize. This is where they come to share their stories. This furniture encourages them to talk and make friends as the seating is carefully designed for them to be able to socialize with more people.
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS
DETAILS
