Chinese Art and Design of Bathroom Space for the Elderly

Abstract

Background and Aims: The aging population is becoming an increasingly difficult burden for China. It is projected that China's senior population will reach the noteworthy 500 million mark by 2050, accounting for about one-third of the country's entire population. Thus, this research purpose is to study and design the bathrooms for the elderly people in Shandong and to analyze the needs of the elderly for the bathroom and Shandong art style in the design of the bathroom space for the elderly. Methodology: The respondents to this study were 80 elderly people residing in Shandong, along with 10 experts possessing expertise in both the design of bathrooms for the elderly and Shandong art. The research employed a mixed-method approach, utilizing various instruments for data collection. These instruments included literature analysis, field study, questionnaire survey, and expert interview. The data collected through these methods were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis techniques. Results: The research results were as follows; (1) The elderly in Shandong prefer bathrooms with traditional cultural elements, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity and aesthetics. (2) Safety is identified as a crucial factor, with a significant portion of the elderly requiring accessible and safe bathroom environments, emphasizing the need for multifunctional and adaptive designs. (3) For incorporating the bathroom requirements of the elderly and Shandong artistic styles into the design of bathroom spaces. The designers should be concerned with seven aspects, which are Prioritize Safety and Practicality, Functional and Comfortable Design, Aesthetic and Emotional Consideration, Respect for Personal Preferences, Integration of Traditional Art with Modern Design, Human-Centered Design Approach, and Continual Learning and Adaptation. Conclusion: The study highlights Shandong's older population's preference for bathrooms with cultural influences, highlighting cultural identity and safety. For an inclusive and practical bathroom environment, designers should incorporate these results into multipurpose, adaptable solutions that put safety, comfort, and cultural aesthetics first.