In the aftermath of the Hanshin Earthquake of 1995, a phenomenon called “kodokushi” became a colossal social issue in Japan. More than 200 elderly people who were displaced by the earthquake were forced to live alone in temporary housing; thus they died alone, and sometimes committing suicide, their bodies lying undiscovered for long periods of time. On March 11, 2011, Tohoku Earthquake, the most devastating earthquake in Japanese history, struck the northern region. It is predicted that many elderly will again “kodokushi”, that is die alone. It is a pressing need to build housing for those who lost their homes in the earthquake, but it is particularly important to create housing that can socially integrate elderly into the community in order not to repeat the same mistakes of the Hanshin Earthquake. How can architecture help the elderly to become integrated into the community?
After research, a two-fold strategy became apparent for the social integration of the elderly. The first part of the strategy is the use of a mediator; combining senior housing with other programs which connecting them to the community. Secondly is the use of pleats; a building form with pleats induces integration between inside and outside.