The Netherlands is currently dealing with a housing shortage. Within this housing shortage, there is a specific shortage in suitable elderly housing. With the Reformation of Long-Term Care elderly need to live longer independently at home whereby an explicit appeal is made to the social network of the elderly for the provision of (informal) care and support. If neighbours are encouraged to provide informal care to elderly people in their neighbourhood, they contribute to the possibility of the elderly living at home independently for longer, and the pressure on current informal caregivers is also reduced. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to form a design strategy by answering to following main question: “What design strategy can be used to design independent livings for elderly with a light need of care, integrated into an existing neighbourhood, in such a way that it stimulates neighbours to provide informal care?”

To answer this question first the developments in the history of elderly housing were studied to see what we can learn from it nowadays. This resulted in a timeline with the main development. In addition case studies of historical projects were done, which gave insight into design elements that could be still helpful nowadays. By providing different scales of interaction different places of encounter can be created and form a gradient in socially active places. Providing buffer zones between private, semi-private, semi-public
and public spaces also contributes to this.

Furthermore, the needs and wishes of elderly that stimulates their independence were researched on the scale of the dwelling and the scale of the neighbourhood. Physical, functional and social aspects, could be found. Physical aspects like accessibility, activity and recognition are important. On the functional aspect it is important to make it as easy as possible for elderly to use key facilities. Social aspects like providing a contact rich, and multi-generational living environment are important to create a socially sustainable
environment.

Then there was researched what could stimulate neighbours to provide informal care. Social cohesion plays a very important role in this. Knowing and seeing your neighbour is very important for the willingness to provide informal care. Once people know their neighbour and see the help he or she needs, they are willing to provide it.

Therefore, case studies from recent projects that are designed with the stimulation of social cohesion in mind were conducted. This gave insight in how design can effect the social cohesion and therefore stimulate people to provide informal care. First of all the connection to the surrounding is important.
Furthermore, dwellings should be designed for a mix of households and organized around a shared place. The shared place should still have a feeling of security, so residents feel more comfortable to use them. A balance between public and private is therefore important. Providing for a transition between private, semi-private, semi-public and public plays an important role in the stimulation of encountering each other.

By combining the outcomes of all the sub-questions, a design strategy is created that could be used to design independent livings for elderly with a light need of care, integrated into an existing neighbourhood, in such a way that it stimulates neighbours to provide informal care.