An Interactive design approach to housing for the elderly

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1991
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Abstract
The purpose of this project was to conduct and evaluate an interactive design process enabling semi-independent senior citizens to participate effectively in the design of housing design for the elderly. The emphasis of the project was on the process rather than the product. The conceptual design demonstrates a potential solution and provides a starting point upon which further study and analysis could be done. This document includes a definition of "interactive design," and the characteristics of the older population. Then, using methods developed by Stanley King, Christopher Alexander, and Charles Moore, a three-stage interactive design process is described: 1. Image Workshop, 2. Design of Parts Workshop, and 3. Model-Building Workshop. The needs, preferences and priorities of the client-user group are identified "first hand," and summarized into a design program reflecting client-user response. On the basis of the client-user response, two preliminary design concepts are generated. Client-user evaluation of the first concept provides guidance and direction for the development of the second concept, each presented at interim reviews. Finally, the client­users evaluated the interactive process in terms of their perceptual experiences relating to ease of involvement, organization, personal fulfillment, and clarity of presentations, measuring the success of the interactive approach. The process was then evaluated in terms of adapting process methods to seniors as the user group, and finally, recommendations for improvement are given. The appendices highlight historical developments, review sources used in process development, provide the results of participant response collected throughout the process, the design program, design drawings suggesting further refinement, and a cost analysis.
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Citation
Conley, M. J. (1991). An Interactive design approach to housing for the elderly (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/22539
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