Blue Space: Designing Active Communities for Hawaii's Kupuna

Abstract

Kūpuna, or one who has lived through many years of life experience, has raised us, bonded us, and taught us. The term ‘‘kūpuna’’, originated from Hawaii and refers to an older adult or grandparent. These individuals are an important demographic to design for in Hawaii, especially since the number of older adults ages 65+, is higher than the United States national average, and is growing. The problem that Hawaii’s urban areas face, is a substantial lack of age-friendly gathering areas and accommodations for their health, safety, and welfare. In the city of Honolulu, there are multiple caregiving options, though most may not meet the needs of the kūpuna, who want to be more involved with community activities, their activities, or just being outdoors. This project identifies a significant and problematic gap between kūpuna, who are often situated in their homes and their ability to dwell outdoors to feel fully comfortable and safe within their community. This leads to the problem of the kūpuna staying in their own private spaces over extended periods and letting subsequent mental and physical declination. Those who tend to stay at their homes or caregiving homes for a long period may experience negative effects on their overall wellbeing, including such factors as mental health and physical health, and interaction. One of the most important components in our urban and landscape environment is water – or what this project will refer to as ‘‘blue space’’. Framed within those two issues – aging and water– this research explores key subjects of aging in place, and how there can be different approaches to rethinking Honolulu’s urban environment. Included in the following pages are case study results of oral interviews and strategies for the design of a community that can evolve and best serves this critical demographic in future years. These design strategies proposed in this thesis address activities for the kūpuna, capitalize on nature as a therapeutic tool and provide opportunities for the implementation of a safe, dynamic, and contemporary healing and aging environment. These design strategies are guidelines for enhanced community engagement areas for kūpuna.