The Next Step

How do you want to live?

The traditional means for institutional building designs, rarely include input from those who will reside within its walls. This seems downright crazy.

The percentage of the population over sixty-five years of age, is increasing exponentially.

http://www.census.gov/population/www/pop-profile/elderpop.html

Do you see yourself or a family member in need?

The Goal

Each of the parties will come into the process with a preconceived notion.

Those notions will morph and mix to form the final design,

through consensus.

Although the projects themselves are diverse and showcase nine building types, award winners exhibited several common themes, among them:

Connection to nature;

Site responsiveness;

Connection to the neighborhood;

Intergenerational developments;

Holistic wellness;

Aging in place;

Neighborhood/household model and personalized care;

Extensive amenities, offering many options to residents;

Hospitality or resort feel.

Focus on affordability;

The Perkins Eastman Research Collaborative, the 2010 American Institute of Architects Design for

Aging (DFA) Knowledge Community senior housing study and released its

report: “Design for Aging”This excerpt indicates a considerable

departure from traditionalconsiderations

Forming the Community

Concerned Parties are gathered to meet, utilizing telecommunications to bring in those who cannot physically attend. Experts, beneficiaries of the outcome, and veterans of other projects worldwide, are included.Input of initial ideas: telephone comment line (non-computer users), blogging, posts on a social networkModels will allow for manipulation of detail both virtual and tangible

•Safety, happiness, comfort independence

•Building Codes, safety, budget constraints, efficiency

•Longevity, working conditions, functionality, budget constraints and liability

•Sanctuary, safety, social opportunities, daily needs, health support, access to natural surroundings

RESIDENTS ON SITE STAFF

SUPPORT NETWORK/FAMILY

FINANCIAL REPRESEN-TATIVES

Experience

Virtual /live model

testing

Tweaking or tossing

Consensus &

Implemen-

tation

Gathering Ideas Using Google Sketchup, or a similar virtual model

construction program, a basic design is created, based on current research, results of the survey and blogs, etc., and optimal utilization of the site.

Simultaneously, the tangible model is created, and placed in established test communities.

Representations of people, either avatars or models, are moved through both models emulating daily use.

Dollars and mandates are real considerations

By inclusiveness, experts in matters of finance, and those with how-to experience are readily available.

The knowledge gained through this experience is passed along, in turn securing gain for businesses through the creation of a successful project

Assessing the value of a product or service through virtual connections is a common practice in our society.

EpinionsPissed Consumer

ConsumerReports Bizrate

TripAdvisor

Angie’s List

Home

Sweet

Home

There is no end to the project.

As those who use the building as home, workplace, community asset, or investment change, so do needs.

Space for the tangible model display is maintained

Virtual access is encouraged for all, regardless of age.