For Better Life: A Retirement Residence Designed by Yi Jen Li

A Vibrant and Elegant Space for a New Retirement Lifestyle

In response to the excellent surrounding environment of the project, the design team has embraced an open-style space that welcomes the Beitou area's precious ecological greenery. This integration with nature forms a peaceful world for the residents, promoting a sense of tranquility and well-being. The interior of the residence is filled with interesting elements such as round hooks, geometric display cabinets, pinewood pegboards, colorful furniture, and soft furnishings. These visual extensions and interactive features create a harmonious and modern space that exudes enjoyment and simplicity.

The realization of the design is achieved through the use of birch plywood, cement bricks, wooden flooring, imported tiles, and pinewood. The materials are presented in their original forms with minimal processing, reducing construction complexity and material waste while also prioritizing environmental sustainability.

The design team has also paid attention to the technical specifications of the space. Instead of hiding the beams, they have covered them with wood, maximizing their presence and shaping the drop ceiling commonly found in Taiwanese homes. The decor incorporates custom-made restaurant light fixtures inspired by snowflake building blocks, adding a touch of modernity and nostalgia to the overall design.

Functionality and accessibility were key considerations in the design. The residence is open and barrier-free, ensuring the safety and convenience of the elderly residents. Storage functions are concentrated in the elevated Japanese-styled room, while the other rooms are equipped with shelves, platforms, and hollow cabinets, providing simple yet complete practical functionalities. Colorful furniture and soft decorations add vibrancy and creativity to the space, creating a new concept of retirement living.

The project was completed in September 2019 in Taipei City, Taiwan. Throughout the design process, the team broke away from the concept of conventional retirement homes and focused on creating a leisurely and relaxing atmosphere. By incorporating vibrant yet elegant colors, simple and clean material vocabulary, and creative designs rich in "Taiwanese flavors," they have successfully constructed a space that promotes a convenient and barrier-free lifestyle.

The design of this retirement residence by Yi Jen Li has received recognition and acclaim. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, technical skills, and contributions to improving the quality of life. The design of this retirement residence truly embodies these qualities, making it a deserving recipient of this esteemed accolade.

With its vibrant yet elegant aesthetic, the retirement residence designed by Yi Jen Li offers a new and refreshing retirement lifestyle. The integration with nature, the thoughtful use of materials, and the emphasis on functionality and accessibility all contribute to creating a space that is both visually appealing and practical. This design sets a new standard for retirement living, challenging traditional notions and providing residents with a vibrant, elegant, and wise "twilight aesthetics."