The mission of the AIA Design for Aging Knowledge Community (DFA) is to foster design innovation and disseminate knowledge necessary to enhance the built environment and quality of life for an aging society. This includes relevant research on characteristics, planning, and costs associated with innovative design for aging. In addition, DFA provides outcome data on the value of these design solutions and environments.
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Highlights
Design for Aging: Call for Volunteers
The Design for Aging Advisory Group seeks a candidate for appointment to the 2010 Advisory Group. We are also seeking volunteers for subcommittees that focus on such areas as: Governance, Design for Aging Review, Post Occupancy Evaluations, Research, Education, Sponsorships, Networking Communications, and Universal Design. The application deadline is September 9, 2009. Read the complete Call for Volunteers.
Blueprints for Living
The AIA Design for Aging Knowledge Community official electronic newsletter is Blueprints for Living. Also, read a letter from the 2009 chair: DFA Update: What Your Knowledge Community is Doing for You.
Design for Aging Review 9: Data Mining Report
The data mining project offers an opportunity to glimpse best practices and emerging ideas in senior living design. It is a close look at a special set of recently designed or built projects that include the 36 DFAR9 award winners. Unlike conventional research, data mining does not impose the structure of pre-determined questions, but rather elicits questions from the data that may offer insights into underlying patterns and evolving trends.
Long-Term Living 2010 Webinar Series Call for Presentations
The 2010 Long-Term Living Webinar Series will be comprised of 8, 60-minute webinars offering valuable content to architects, developers, owners, facilities managers, design professionals, product manufacturers, and government officials and each will explore new ideas for creating appealing and supportive places for people as they age. Presentation proposals are now being sought for this series. To submit a presentation proposal for this series, please visit—www.vendomewebinars.com/LTL2010submissions.
Deadline for presentations is October 15, 2010 5 p.m. ET.
The Long-Term Living Webinar Series is founded and produced by Vendome Group LLC (publishers of Long Term Living magazine), The Center for Health Design, SAGE, the AIA Design for Aging Knowledge Community and the American Society of Interior Designers.
Resources
Design for Aging Review
The Design for Aging Review biannual competition showcases facilities that improve quality of life for the aging while exhibiting innovation in their design and execution. A joint effort of the AIA and the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), it includes a juried exhibition, a companion book, and education programs. The program encompasses a broad view of facilities designed for senior citizens, including nursing homes, dementia care, assisted living, and continuing care retirement communities.
Design for Aging Post-Occupancy Evaluations
This book, Design for Aging Post-Occupancy Evaluations outlines lessons learned from senior living environments featured in the AIA’s Design for Aging Review. It answers the question, “Did the design fulfill its promise?” Authored by The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Design for Aging Knowledge Community, it features the results of post-occupancy evaluations for more than twenty senior living facilities. For architects, interior designers, landscape architects and elder care providers, these evaluations are invaluable in distinguishing between what sounds good and what actually works.
Architecture Knowledge Review Podcast Series
Architecture Knowledge Review is a podcast series for design professionals, featuring interviews, discussions, and best practices by architects and other design professionals who are at the forefront of the profession. Some featured podcasts are:
• An Interview with Leslie G. Moldow, AIA, LEED, on Design Trends for Senior Living
Leslie G. Moldow, AIA, LEED, Principal at Perkins Eastman based in Oakland, CA, discusses trends for senior design. Topics covered include technology that gives seniors the ability to stay in their homes longer, resort environments for seniors, and sustainability. Recorded live at the American Institute of Architects. MP3
• The Evidence-Based Truth about Private Rooms for the Aging
Jeffrey Anderzhon, FAIA, discusses the benefits of single-occupancy rooms in homes for the elderly. In addition to benefits for the residents and families, staff members and others invested in such facilities have seen a significant cut in various financial, health, and social costs when facilities have single-occupancy rooms. MP3
Speaker's Registry
Find knowledgeable, qualified speakers on topics ranging from land use, sustainability, and green architecture to affordable housing and public health. Or register as a speaker yourself.