The Social Setting.

The German sociologist Tonnies speaks of the Geselleschaft and the Gemeinschaft. The Geselleschaft refers to a large urban community typified by alienation, fragmentation and specialization. Today's society reflects this notion in many ways. It is a place that often sees human services provided by large institutions. Such institutions are often separated from one another by moribund regulatory procedures that are in place to protect the institution rather than to provide service. Service delivery comes to have a greater importance than the quality of the service and people come to feel that something is being done to them not for them. The Gemeinschaft, however, refers to a small close knit supportive community where each member has a sense of belonging regardless of age or culture. In such communities infrastructures are built to provide for the needs of the community. In our present social setting there is a need to explore models for the development of communities that reflect more of the Gemeinschaft than the Geselleschaft. One such model is the Lifetime Centre. This Centre provides a setting for both private and public sector initiatives. It is both socially redeeming and economically sound. Within this centre the relationship between the private and public sectors can be redefined. Moreover, the relationship of business and professional enterprises is more symbiotic and supportive than competitive.

The Purpose.

The Lifetime Centre seeks to establish a locus for the integrated delivery of goods and services to a multi-aged multi-cultural community. Basic Services in the areas of Health, Education and Welfare usually provided by the public sector and delivered through compartmentalized Ministries would be addressed in an integrated fashion by initiatives from both the public and private sectors. Related business enterprises would be part of the infrastructure and would be housed within the Centre. The Centre would provide a setting for the development of new and mutually supportive relationships between the public and private sectors. In short it would be a place where a true sense of community might be regenerated, a place where business could flourish because it meets the needs of a known clientele.

Major Components.

A Learning Centre (International School) that has as its student population, people of many cultures and all ages. This population is grouped into what might loosely be termed Guilds of Learners. The educational endeavours begin with early childhood and extend throughout life. Early Childhood Centre with related family services both private and public. A Community Meeting Place ( Conference Centre) a place to allow the larger community to interface and interact with the Lifetime Centre Leisure, Recreational, and Travel Services Accomodation and Food Services Technology Centre .... and related businesses.. Cutting edge communications technology supports the Learning Centre and provides all with access to McLuhanÕs Global Village. Seniors Care and Housing along with related therapeutic services aimed at geriatric evaluation and rehabilitation. Business and Commercial Centre...

An Economic Premise.

It is assumed that all private sector activities carried on in the Centre will be profitable and economically sound. Moreover, it is supposed that the delivery of public sector services will be more efficient and economical.

Infrastructures.

Three main infrastructures need to be developed that are mutually supportive. First the physical infrastructure must be designed and managed to allow the full use of both private and multi-purpose spaces. Second, the social infrastructure must be such that it attracts a growing community to the Centre. Third, the economic infrastructure must be such that private sector enterprises flourish and public sector activities can assure that public monies are expended efficiently for the purpose they were intended.