Eleventh International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

In this proposed session, the findings of a research project to investigate the design implications of inserting an affordable, supportive living facility within a typical high-rise condominium development are presented. The project is premised upon a hypothetical P3 (public, private partnership) arrangement, where such a facility could be integrated to offer supportive living for seniors aging-in-place. The project utilized an existing fourteen storey high-rise condo as the basis for the design. Several co-design sessions contributed significant information to the design effort. These included insights from seniors themselves, care providers, health agencies, funding agencies, city representatives, related NGO’s, and building developers. Findings were integrated into an overall design for two floors that could be integrated into such a building. Design efforts focused on understanding the programmatic requirements for the creation of common areas, intended to support both communal and individual activities. Additionally, the design and layout of individual units were developed. These were intended to demonstrate ways the unit could be modularized and adapted to provide for evolving health care and service requirements, adapting as an individual’s personal health circumstances changed. The project illustrates the potential of such developments to integrate affordable and supportive residences for seniors, integrating them into a wider social setting. The project serves as the basis for a future design research project to be undertaken in the coming year.