Abstract Where and how people live in later life is of vital importance to their wellbeing. Yet there has been very little critical attention in gerontology to the growth of large residential complexes being built by developers on urban fringes across Australia. There is no coherent policy relating to older people’s accommodation, and a general absence in understanding the capacity of these purpose built environments to meet the needs of older people. Further, there is a lack of research that represents the intricate interplay of factors that informs the provision of residential complexes. This research aims to address the critical need to understand the reality of older people’s lives within these spaces of ageing. It seeks to do this by exploring the experiences and meaning older people resident in these complexes attach to these spaces, as well as investigating the views and knowledge of those responsible for their design and production. A spatial framework, directly informed by Henri Lefebvre’s theory of social space, provides a holistic means to integrate both the structural and humanistic dimensions of space. This framework guided an exploration of the working knowledge of the professionals involved in the production of residential complexes, as well as how older people use, and create meaning in this living environment. The qualitative research design facilitated the analysis of interviews with professionals and older people, as well as documents and working papers in order to gain a rich understanding of the different dimensions that make up the production of, and life within, residential complexes. The research identified a broad range of implications in relation to the policy and practice of building residential complexes for older people. Of particular note is that the working knowledge of those responsible for the provision of residential complexes is underpinned by a stereotypical approach to ageing which affects their attitudes and assumptions. This is part of a complex array of factors including ageism, the dominance of business acumen, and humanism all resulting in a cultural acceptance of older people’s accommodation as separate. These findings prompt consideration of who is planning for whom, and who benefits? Findings suggest that for older people residential complexes are an ambiguous place, characterised by tensions. For some residents, the space provides both security and community, enabling them to engage with occupations and relationships. However, for others, the space is limiting, compromising their ability to retain meaning in their lives. In this way, residential complexes are both an enabling and a constraining environment. These findings highlight the inherent difficulty of providing one dominant model for a population with a broad range of needs, experiences and expectations. Whatever their age older people continue to produce space, and this is not only about keeping the past alive, but keeping in touch with the whole of their lives. This entails continuing to form relationships and connecting to the environment, whether that is a garden, the bush or inner city life; and through the signification of objects as both an expression of connection, loss and absence. To reinforce the heterogeneity of older people, place and space for some was not important. This research has important implications for developing policy on ageing and planning the built environment, as well for the application of the theory of social space. Of note is the power and pervasiveness of ageism within professions responsible for the conception and production of residential complexes, and the strength of the dissonance between accommodation, support and care for older people. Important insights were gained about older people’s use and meaning of their space, notably the need to recognise micro agency and occupation throughout the life course. This thesis draws attention to the complexity of place and space in regard to older people and their living environments and challenges research that adopts a more singular approach. Finally, use of Lefebvre’s work to drive the approach adopted in this study is a major strength. In particular, the operationalisation of Lefebvre’s triad of social space in a social context provides a theoretical contribution to social theory, one to be taken up by gerontology and social science.

Abstract Where and how people live in later life is of vital importance to their wellbeing. Yet there has been very little critical attention in gerontology to the growth of large residential complexes being built by developers on urban fringes across Australia. There is no coherent policy relating to older people’s accommodation, and a general absence in understanding the capacity of these purpose built environments to meet the needs of older people. Further, there is a lack of research that represents the intricate interplay of factors that informs the provision of residential complexes. This research aims to address the critical need to understand the reality of older people’s lives within these spaces of ageing. It seeks to do this by exploring the experiences and meaning older people resident in these complexes attach to these spaces, as well as investigating the views and knowledge of those responsible for their design and production. A spatial framework, directly informed by Henri Lefebvre’s theory of social space, provides a holistic means to integrate both the structural and humanistic dimensions of space. This framework guided an exploration of the working knowledge of the professionals involved in the production of residential complexes, as well as how older people use, and create meaning in this living environment. The qualitative research design facilitated the analysis of interviews with professionals and older people, as well as documents and working papers in order to gain a rich understanding of the different dimensions that make up the production of, and life within, residential complexes. The research identified a broad range of implications in relation to the policy and practice of building residential complexes for older people. Of particular note is that the working knowledge of those responsible for the provision of residential complexes is underpinned by a stereotypical approach to ageing which affects their attitudes and assumptions. This is part of a complex array of factors including ageism, the dominance of business acumen, and humanism all resulting in a cultural acceptance of older people’s accommodation as separate. These findings prompt consideration of who is planning for whom, and who benefits? Findings suggest that for older people residential complexes are an ambiguous place, characterised by tensions. For some residents, the space provides both security and community, enabling them to engage with occupations and relationships. However, for others, the space is limiting, compromising their ability to retain meaning in their lives. In this way, residential complexes are both an enabling and a constraining environment. These findings highlight the inherent difficulty of providing one dominant model for a population with a broad range of needs, experiences and expectations. Whatever their age older people continue to produce space, and this is not only about keeping the past alive, but keeping in touch with the whole of their lives. This entails continuing to form relationships and connecting to the environment, whether that is a garden, the bush or inner city life; and through the signification of objects as both an expression of connection, loss and absence. To reinforce the heterogeneity of older people, place and space for some was not important. This research has important implications for developing policy on ageing and planning the built environment, as well for the application of the theory of social space. Of note is the power and pervasiveness of ageism within professions responsible for the conception and production of residential complexes, and the strength of the dissonance between accommodation, support and care for older people. Important insights were gained about older people’s use and meaning of their space, notably the need to recognise micro agency and occupation throughout the life course. This thesis draws attention to the complexity of place and space in regard to older people and their living environments and challenges research that adopts a more singular approach. Finally, use of Lefebvre’s work to drive the approach adopted in this study is a major strength. In particular, the operationalisation of Lefebvre’s triad of social space in a social context provides a theoretical contribution to social theory, one to be taken up by gerontology and social science.

La tesis analiza la elaboración de un Centro de Día y Residencia para el Adulto Mayor, dirigido a la población del distrito de Reque y distritos más próximos, como propuesta de revaloración a la tercera edad en la sociedad. El tema de mayor importancia se centra en la población de la tercera edad, porque en el Perú y el mundo, el aumento de la población adulta mayor se ha convertido en una característica demográfica y un reto para la sociedad. Así mismo, para el desarrollo del proyecto, se realizó el estudio de ejemplos referenciales, elegidos por la tipología arquitectónica, haciendo énfasis en el estudio de la conceptualización, forma, función y aspectos tecnológicos que los identifican; se realizó un análisis del usuario, así como del lugar donde se desarrollará el proyecto. La investigación pertenece a dos tipologías arquitectónicas, ambas dirigidas a personas mayores: Centro de Día y Residencia Gerontológica, enfatiza la relación entre el interior y exterior del entorno, el uso de tecnologías típicas de la zona y como lugar de encuentro social entre adultos mayores, la familia y la población. Mediante esta investigación se busca que la población longeva encuentre una respuesta a los cambios de sus necesidades y demandas, entre ellas las del aspecto arquitectónico. El Centro de Día y Residencia del Adulto Mayor contribuirá a promover niveles de bienestar en las personas de la tercera edad. / The thesis analyses the development of a Day and Residence Center for the Elderly, aimed at the population of the Reque district and nearest districts, as a proposal for revaluation of senior citizens in society. The most important issue focuses on the elderly population, because in Peru and the world, the increase in the older adult population has become a demographic feature and a challenge for society. Likewise, for the development of the project, the study of reference examples, chosen by the architectural typology, was carried out with an emphasis on the study of conceptualization, form, function and technological aspects that identify them; an analysis of the user was performed as well as where the project will be developed. The research belongs to two architectural typologies, both aimed at the elderly: Day Center and Gerontological Residence, emphasizes the relationship between the interior and exterior of the environment, the use of typical technologies of the area and as a social meeting place between older adults, family and the population. This research seeks to ensure that the long-lived population finds an answer to the changes in their needs and demands, including those of the architectural aspect. The Senior Day and Residence Center will contribute in helping promote levels of well-being in seniors. / Tesis

There are roughly 70 000 flats in the city of Brno in housing estates built of various construction technology. Urban structure of such housing estates is thus a living condition for more than a third of Brno residents. The doctoral thesis offers a cohesive chronological overview of residential complexes in the area of the city of Brno, and deals with an analysis of their urban structure, with consideration of the circumstances of their origin.