Upgrading buildings for older people Judith Torrington University of Sheffield School of Architecture Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Housing LIN Sheffield 19 January 2005

Where old people live age concern website statistics AgeOwn home Sheltered housing Care home or hospital %11%1% %23%5% 85+60%19%21%

Changing circumstances there’s a lot of living to be done between the ages of 65 and 95

Virtuous circles: managing change Choice – what do people want? Consultation – who is in charge? Research – how do buildings impact on well-being? Opportunity – what are the options? Finance – what will it cost?

Consultation Access to the community The layout of the building Private spaces Communal spaces Outside areas Aspirations and preferences

safety & health community comfort physical support choice & control comfort personalisation Quality of life High dependency Low dependency Research findings DICE

Wish list : emerging themes Music (listening, singing, social participation, dancing, etc) Getting outside Social contact Conversation Laughter Physical activity, walking & exercise Carer support Mental stimulation Meals & food Memory (spatial & temporal orientation) Research findings INDEPENDENT

Changing circumstances impairments of ageing

Space for access Wheelchair access Changes of level Access for restricted mobility Space for care

Physical support

Wayfinding

Some thirty inches from my nose The frontier of my person goes, And all the untilled air between Is private Pagus or demesne. Stranger, unless with bedroom eyes I beckon you to fraternise, Beware of rudely crossing it: I have no gun, but I can spit W. H. Auden About the House Private and personal space

Bring me sunshine

Community and society

Managing the building process Regular renewal of fabric Cleaning and maintenance Installations Decoration and renewal of finishes and fittings Building fabric renewal Fire fighting Major upgrades and renewal

The renewal cycle Low or no cost options Medium cost Major renewal

Current standards Misfits Performance Profitability Best practice Quality New development Strategic plan Making a building appraisal:

beforeafter

References: Judith Torrington Upgrading buildings for older people (2004) RIBA Enterprises Robson, D., A.-M. Nicholson, et al. (1997). Homes for the Third Age. London, E and FN Spon. Phillips, M., P. Fletcher, et al. (1999). Involving Older People in Upheaval and Change in Their Housing Environment, Housing 21. Trotter, E., M. Phillips, et al. (1998). Remodeled Sheltered Housing, Housing 21.