INCLUSIVE DESIGN FOR GETTING OUTDOORS'
Across the United Kingdom.
Program Description
"I'DGO's aim is to influence age-friendly design approaches at a range of scales, from the places in and around people's homes, to local neighborhoods and wider urban environments."
-idgo.ac.uk
Three major reasons given for older adults going out are: socializing, physical fitness and exercise and fresh air and contact with nature.
Due to many barriers within a typical street environment such as narrow and poorly maintained paving to very limited seating many older adults are not encouraged to go outdoors on a regular basis. Improving the quality of the outdoor environment can contribute to a better quality of life for older adults.
In terms of design, the following design features are important for older people:
- Wide and flat tarmac footways
- Easy transition at level changes
- Unobstructed navigation
- Controlled crossing points
- Clear, simple, easily visible and understandable signage
- Frequent, warm, supportive seating
- Sufficient bus stops with weather protection and seating
- Sufficient, well maintained, safe and open toilets
Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors is performing design for aging in place research under the following areas:
OPENspace - addresses the full spectrum of open space environments from city parks and squares to remote rural landscapes.
WISE (Wellbeing in Sustainable Environments) - exploring how the built environment affects people’s wellbeing, mental health and quality of life.
SURFACE Inclusive Design Research Centre at the University of Salford - explores design using the social model of disability, from the planning of the public realm to the detailing of the home, its products and technologies.
Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors promotes pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, open spaces, parks and gardens for older adults to age in place along with the community at large.
The project works with gerontologists, architects, designers, engineers and other professionals.
WATCH VIDEO ON INCLUSIVE DESIGN FOR GETTING OUTDOORS |
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| I'DGO Inclusive Design For Getting Outdoors from Adam Barnett on Vimeo. |