PECC: Penang Elderly Community Centre

The Penang Elderly Community Centre (PECC) project is inspired by one of Malaysia’s most pressing demographic challenges—the rapid increase in the ageing population. By 2056, Malaysia is expected to become a super-aged nation, with a significant portion of its population aged 45 and above. Additionally, there have been alarming cases of elderly individuals found deceased alone, highlighting the issues of neglect and abandonment. Moreover, chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are becoming increasingly prevalent among the elderly.

PECC is an integrated senior living resort in Penang, featuring a proposed-built Active Living Resort that provides accommodation and services to active seniors who are looking for independent living and assisted living. Healthcare facilities, community facilities, a childcare centre, commercial shops and community farms are integrated into the building, making it a one-stop centre for the elderly. With the design concept of “community in the green oasis”, this elderly community centre is turned into a green oasis in the Bayan Lepas city of Penang Island. This lifestyle complex is designed particularly for elderly living in the urban area, by creating a safe and healthy environment for the elderly to go out and have an active social life. A perfect harmony in living with nature can improve the elderly’s physical and mental health. It is believed urban farming will be the perfect horticultural therapy tool to help the elderly in the urban. Herbs and vegetable gardens, both on the ground and on the table are proposed for the elderly and community to enjoy growing plants together, including those with a physical disability. Besides, therapeutic gardens are proposed to encourage the elderly to stimulate their five senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch, to promote holistic health. The central garden near the plaza includes a waterfall, stream, and plants that vary in height, form, scents, and flower colour, where community in the area is welcome to visit the centre to join certain multigenerational activities such as group aerobics, performance and urban farming. With this, an active and healthy community is created in the green oasis of Bayan Lepas.