Yihang on Design: A Senior University That Balances Comfort and Style

As population aging intensifies, senior universities have become important places where many older adults pursue knowledge, social connection, and enjoyment. A well-designed senior university space not only makes older adults feel comfortable and safe and suits their aesthetic, but also improves their learning efficiency. Drawing on Yihang's space design solutions, this article explores two key aspects of creating safe, comfortable, and elegant spaces tailored for senior universities.

I. Conveying Emotional Care for Older Adults Through Color and Furniture Design

A senior university has a variety of fully functional indoor spaces. Color changes from room to room strengthen older users' ability to recognize the layout, and the indoor furniture in each space is given a matching color scheme, so that color exerts a positive emotional influence on users.

The salon center uses soft, warm colors such as light green and beige. Physiologically speaking, cool and neutral tones help keep heart rate and blood pressure steady, reducing emotional swings and sensory stimulation and helping maintain a calm state of mind. The sofas offer medium-firm seating, and all furniture is designed with rounded curves to reduce the safety hazards posed by sharp corners.

In the vocal music, instrumental music, and painting classrooms, furniture colors with higher saturation — warm hues such as yellow, red, and orange — better stimulate users' creative inspiration. Considering the decline in physical strength among older adults, lightweight furniture is easier to move around; scientifically proportioned seat dimensions help older students maintain a relaxed posture during class.

The new-media classroom also uses bright, cheerful tones. The training chairs come with armrests for extra support and can be pushed flush under the desks when not in use, keeping walkways clear; non-slip foot pads add safety.

II. Spaces That Combine Comfort with Cultural Value

Older adults have deep feelings for and identification with traditional culture. For some, Chinese-style furniture also carries emotional and cultural heritage, so they tend to prefer it.

The VIP reception room features a calm, stately overall palette. The Chinese-style furniture follows ergonomic principles and is comfortable to use; the solid-wood seats come with thoughtful cushions and backrests for an upgraded seating experience. The rolling mountain-and-water design on the screen, together with Chinese-style line elements in the lighting and carpet, creates a classically elegant atmosphere for the space.

Furniture full of ancient charm forms the foundation of the calligraphy classroom, where brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones are laid out — a setting of quiet gravity for self-cultivation. Calligraphy works and hanging paintings adorn the walls on both sides, displaying students' finest pieces and creating a rich atmosphere for learning calligraphy.

The space design of this senior university fully considers the physical characteristics and aesthetic preferences of older adults, creating a comfortable, safe, and elegant environment where the city's seniors can enjoy the pleasure of learning.