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Can designing for privacy enable more social connection?

Agency
Attachment
Attraction
Connection
Freedom
Inclusion

Ibasho means “a place where you can feel like yourself” in Japanese. Located in Japan, Nepal, the Philippines and soon to be in Singapore, Ibasho projects are community hubs that guide older persons to be change agents in their community. Because Ibasho spaces are multi-generational, there is a constant negotiation of activity and noise.

Founder of the Ibasho project Emi Kiyota regards outdoor spaces as important refuges of privacy and peace. Transitions between indoor and outdoor should also be well considered for ease of movement so elderly can create their own boundaries between privacy and social connection.

In order to get people to socialise, you need to design for an optimum level of privacy. If you don’t have privacy, all they’ll want to do is look for privacy and they won’t be ready to socialise.

Being outside in the garden brings elders some quiet respite from the bustling energy of Ibasho House.

A community space should cater to differing energy levels and relational dynamics.

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