Supportive Seating for Beijing Elderly Care Residence Communal Areas

О проекте

Background

The project is located at an elderly care residence in Beijing. The building has wide communal corridors with continuous handrails on both sides and even warm lighting throughout. In early 2014, the facility supplemented furniture in the communal activity areas and corridor rest points, focusing on support for residents when sitting briefly, standing up and waiting.

Requirements and challenges

• Armrests must withstand downward pressure when standing: The front of each armrest had to endure repeated downward loading without loosening or deforming, preventing instability when residents push themselves up.
• Seat firmness and height must be appropriate: The seat surface could not sink excessively under load, and the seat height needed to be close to knee height for elderly users, easing the transition from sitting to standing.
• Dimensions must not obstruct corridor circulation: The chair backs could not protrude too far beyond the wall handrail projection, avoiding interference with wheelchair and walking aid movement.

Specification and solution

• High armrest, shallow seat depth frame: Selected supportive chairs with raised armrests and firm cushions, with seat depth kept short to reduce lower back gap when residents sit back.
• Metal-lined armrest connections: Added metal inserts at the armrest-to-frame joints to prevent cracking of wood or plastic components under long-term lateral downward pressure.
• Anti-slip feet and light-toned finish: Fitted chair legs with anti-slip pads; seat and back upholstery in a light warm grey to maintain visual continuity with the corridor's warm lighting and wall handrails.

Delivery and outcome

• Installed across 1 corridor and 2 activity rooms: A total of 14 supportive chairs placed at main rest points and activity area entrances.
• Armrest static load test reached 90 kg: Each chair armrest underwent vertical downward load testing before dispatch, with no cracking or loosening.
• On-site installation was carried out in sections overnight, without affecting residents' normal activities and access the following day.

Client feedback: Residents feel more secure sitting down and standing up than before, and care staff noted they no longer need to bring extra plastic stools into the corridor.