A Study on the Spacial Characteristics in Japan’s Small-scale Multi-functional Home Care Facilities

This study analyzes the architectural characteristics of small-scale multi-functional home care facilities (SMCFs) in Japan, which have emerged as a new care model for an aging society. These facilities play a key role in the “Community-based Integrated Care System” by providing day care, home health care, and short-term care services in one location. The architectural design is rooted in a “grassroots movement” that utilized existing private houses, emphasizing “non-uniform domesticity” to create a home-like environment. This approach prioritizes the elderly’s “continuity of life” and “psychological comfort” over functional efficiency. The institutionalization of SMCFs in 2006 introduced a new challenge: the mandatory provision of 24-hour home health care. Successful SMCF design requires a variety of architectural considerations, including establishing the facility as a central hub for a community-based care network. The design should also incorporate open-plan kitchens to facilitate interaction and informal care. To accommodate the significant variation in user numbers between day and night, spatial flexibility is essential. For users with dementia, creating a home-like atmosphere with clear spatial organization is crucial for providing comfort. Ultimately, SMCFs should be designed as social hubs, integrating additional functions like group home care facilities or daycare centers to promote community exchange and create a sustainable care ecosystem.