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| ONE LIFE, ONE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE ACCESSIBLE IN-BETWEEN |
And now, how all this relates to my original thesis
story and my argument about housing the elderly. I
really do not know, I am just kidding. I intend to test
through design research that a neighborhood that
incorporates accessibility and environmental
elements from the smallest part of their
development (housing units) to the biggest areas
as parks and roads will be able to maintain
story and my argument about housing the elderly. I
really do not know, I am just kidding. I intend to test
through design research that a neighborhood that
incorporates accessibility and environmental
elements from the smallest part of their
development (housing units) to the biggest areas
as parks and roads will be able to maintain
CLOSING STATEMENT
Also, Prince William County, Virginia created a universal design exhibition. In their case
sustainable elements were not taken into consideration. They focused more in the use of
features like low windows and steps to create functionality. They complied with all seven
principles of universal design. Lastly, a third exhibition home was built in Omaha, Nebraska.
They are in favor of aging in place and proposed various floor plan options that can adapt to
the changing needs of a family. All those alternatives allowed spaces to be more functional.
Their designs maintain the basic structural components allowing for the creation of more living
space when the house is first acquired. Then, when the family grows the wall system moves
or can be renovated to create new spaces. Finally, they proposed a ground level floor plan that
permits the creation of a bedroom on the first level in order to accommodate the needs of the
elderly.
One problem is that the demonstration house in Australia is located in a rural area with no
other houses around it. There are no areas to walk to or person to relate too. The may have
created a functional house, but it cannot accomplish its full purpose if the people living inside
can only see the surroundings and cannot interact with it. The demonstration house in Prince
William County is in an area in which houses have a high cost. The house cannot be afforded
by an average person. In these examples we can see the current need for accessible
neighborhoods that can support accessible houses creating an active, accessible and
independent neighborhood.
I argue that the elderly will be the most benefit with the creation of these communities because
they will be able to stay in their neighborhoods without the need of re-localization. They will be
able to continue living an active and independent life without the need for constant help. This
type of neighborhood will be able to retain its residents and integrate all age groups creating a
better community in which all people are needed and all benefit in the same way.
Intergenerational communities will be able to provide better quality living for all its residents.
And those flat roofs I mention at the beginning…do not get surprised if you see them in my
design solution!
sustainable elements were not taken into consideration. They focused more in the use of
features like low windows and steps to create functionality. They complied with all seven
principles of universal design. Lastly, a third exhibition home was built in Omaha, Nebraska.
They are in favor of aging in place and proposed various floor plan options that can adapt to
the changing needs of a family. All those alternatives allowed spaces to be more functional.
Their designs maintain the basic structural components allowing for the creation of more living
space when the house is first acquired. Then, when the family grows the wall system moves
or can be renovated to create new spaces. Finally, they proposed a ground level floor plan that
permits the creation of a bedroom on the first level in order to accommodate the needs of the
elderly.
One problem is that the demonstration house in Australia is located in a rural area with no
other houses around it. There are no areas to walk to or person to relate too. The may have
created a functional house, but it cannot accomplish its full purpose if the people living inside
can only see the surroundings and cannot interact with it. The demonstration house in Prince
William County is in an area in which houses have a high cost. The house cannot be afforded
by an average person. In these examples we can see the current need for accessible
neighborhoods that can support accessible houses creating an active, accessible and
independent neighborhood.
I argue that the elderly will be the most benefit with the creation of these communities because
they will be able to stay in their neighborhoods without the need of re-localization. They will be
able to continue living an active and independent life without the need for constant help. This
type of neighborhood will be able to retain its residents and integrate all age groups creating a
better community in which all people are needed and all benefit in the same way.
Intergenerational communities will be able to provide better quality living for all its residents.
And those flat roofs I mention at the beginning…do not get surprised if you see them in my
design solution!
