Facing aging and low birth rates, traditional Catholic churches seek sustainable development by opening spaces and integrating resources to promote community symbiosis and care. This study investigates the essential spatial characteristics and planning principles required for a church to establish a multi-functional community care center. The research uses in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant observation, referencing the Anna Home in Chiayi County, Taiwan. We explore the necessary planning and design essentials for the church's community symbiosis center. Key findings indicate the church should: 1) Possess an autonomous social welfare organization for operation; 2) Integrate neighborhood resources to facilitate intergenerational interaction; 3) Use the church as a core to plan multi-level, continuous care facilities (e.g., service centers, day care, long-term care); 4) Offer platforms for community members' volunteer services; 5) Design venues where care recipients can contribute their strengths; and 6) Open care spaces and integrate wellness activities to create a multi-functional religious campus for care and learning. To pursue sustainable development, the church's care campus must actively open and closely integrate with local life. It should be planned as a venue for shared living and care, enabling church personnel and local residents (including the elderly, people with disabilities, and children) to interact. This actively assists local residents' health needs, seeking a new model of community symbiotic care.

Authors:
Po-Tsung Chen, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
Ting-Tsang Hsieh, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Po-Tsung Chen is currently an Associate Professor at the Institute of Gerontology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan. His primary expertise lies in designing and researching age-friendly living environments.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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