University of Sheffield School of Architecture Dr Adam Park, University of Sheffield School of Architecture

Why co-design?

Why co-design? Benefits Drawbacks Helps to amplify the voice of third and fourth-agers (in terms of influencing housing policy and practice) Dialogue helps to sensitise designers diverse + changing aspirations (as well as the realities of the ageing process) Drawbacks Difficult to recreate the inherent constraints in the professional practice of housing design + delivery A time-consuming process to manage – not always possible to meet the expectations of all participants

Why co-design? “From my point of view it has been mentally stimulating, but I think there was always a tension between your (DWELL’s) interest in the co-design process and our interest in seeing real change happen.”

* * * * DOWNSIZER HOMES Citywide group (recruited from across Sheffield) AGE-FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOODS Sharrow group (Learn for Life) Dore Group Parson Cross + Foxhill (Foxhill Forum) * * *

Housing pathways in later life Downsizer homes

Co-design process Focus group discussions and preparation for design workshops

Study visits to general-needs and purpose-built retirement housing. Visits with older participants have been important part of the process – it has helped to keep expand the conversation beyond technical/ management/ constructional issues. ‘Could I imagine living here?’

Building on ‘HAPPI’ principles Brief development – Building on ‘HAPPI’ principles Long-term process and a dialogue between a small group of participants (around 12) and researchers/ designers. Educating participants along the way to read drawings, critique schemes, and inform participants of current good practice Important to keep listening to OP – easy to overlook the challenges of ageing (eg. WC provision) as well as their ideas for the future of specialised housing

Hands on design activities Long-term process and a dialogue between a small group of participants (around 12) and researchers/ designers. Educating participants along the way to read drawings, critique schemes, and inform participants of current good practice Important to keep listening to OP – easy to overlook the challenges of ageing (eg. WC provision) as well as their ideas for the future of specialised housing What does an ‘ideal’ home for a downsizer look like? What sort of community do you want to create?

Housing typologies Low-rise – ‘Redesigning the bungalow’ Mid-rise – ‘The best of both worlds’ High-rise – ‘Cohousing lite’

Site visits to potential housing sites in Sheffield Would this site be suitable for age-friendly housing? Could this building be converted to residential apartments?

Feedback and review sessions Have my comments been correctly interpreted by the designers? How could the proposed site plan be improved?

Bringing it all together

Concluding thoughts