Vertical ʻohana: Designing high-rise aging in place

Abstract

Hawaiʻi’s rapidly aging population, limited land resources, and high cost of living are pushing the concept of aging in place into increasingly dense and vertical residential environments. While existing studies often focus on accessibility, care systems, and age-friendly interior adaptations, less attention has been given to how the spatial configuration of high-rise housing can influence loneliness, emotional well-being, and everyday social connection among older adults. This research gap is especially important in Honolulu, where population aging and high-rise development are occurring simultaneously.This dissertation examines how high-rise residential architecture can support aging in place not only through accessibility and care, but also through spatial strategies that reduce isolation and sustain social connection. Based on a comparative analysis of international and local case studies, the research focuses on three key areas: aging-in-place models, design strategies that promote social connection, and climate-responsive architectural approaches relevant to Hawaiʻi. These findings are then translated into design principles and architectural strategies for Honolulu’s dense urban context, using Kapālama TOD as a testing ground for design application.The study argues that high-rise senior housing should be understood as a form of vertical social infrastructure and as a civic participant within the city, rather than as an isolated care facility or a simple collection of residential units. By integrating housing, care, shared amenities, mixed-use public interfaces, and everyday social nodes, high-rise housing can create opportunities for incidental encounters, community participation, and continuity of care. Ultimately, this dissertation proposes an architectural framework for high-rise aging in place in Honolulu, supporting dignity, belonging, and social well-being for older adults within a more connected vertical neighborhood.