Ira Verma
Housing Design for All?
The challenges of ageing in urban planning and housing design - The case Helsinki
100420
Population ageing and urbanisation are global trends. Changing
demographics in cities create new challenges for housing design and
urban planning, as more people with mobility and sensory limitations
will live at home in the future. Ira Verma's study explores the living
environment from the point of view of the older population through three
case studies. Qualitative methods used in the study provide in-depth
knowledge on the built environment supporting everyday life at old age.
There
is still little research evidence in the field of architecture on
Age-Friendly neighborhood design. Ira Verma's doctoral thesis provides new
insights on this timely topic for architects, planners and other
specialists who provide services for older people in cities.
A mix
of land use, access to local services and a walking friendly
environment enhance mobility and independence at old age. Moreover,
results show that older people choose local services that are the most
accessible ones. Anticipating population aging by applying Universal
Design to neighborhood design may empower the older population and allow
them to remain active in their community.