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On September 18, 40 architects, interns, interior designers,
students, and planners interested in environments for aging adults
convened at The Boston Society of Architects (BSA). This was the
first meeting of the BSA’s newly formed Design for Aging (DFA)
Committee, which will meet the third Tuesday of each month at the
BSA’s Broad Street headquarters.
The AIA’s DFA Knowledge Community’s mission is to
foster design and disseminate knowledge to enhance the built
environment and quality of life for an aging society. This includes
research, planning, innovation, and playing a proactive role in
aging policy nationwide.
The BSA’s DFA Committee offers local affiliates an
opportunity to share the national agenda and afford more frequent
and convenient opportunities to meet. Moreover, it offers
grassroots potential by connecting architects directly engaged in
design for the aging with caregivers and policymakers working with
aging and frail seniors.
Jeffrey Anderzhon, FAIA, coauthor of Design for Aging:
Post-Occupancy Evaluations, which collects lessons learned
from senior living environments featured in the AIA’s
Design for Aging Review, presented a well-received
synopsis of his book. Topics proposed for future discussions
include aging in place, affordability, choice (noninstitutional
options, i.e., homes), urban mixed use, sustainability, design for
dementia, universal design, households, and research. The next
meeting will be on October 16; the agenda and guest speaker will be
announced.
The committee is not limited to architects and encourages
participation by all related design professionals as well as
caregivers, advocates, and anyone committed to improving the lives
of seniors. Contact Genevieve Rajewski at the BSA (grajewski@architects.org)
if interested. If you want to be involved with DFA at the national
level, designate DFA as your Knowledge Community on your AIA
membership application or contact AIA Member Services, 800 242
3837.
—James M. Warner, FAIA, BSA-DFA Committee
Chair
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