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| ONE LIFE, ONE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE ACCESSIBLE IN-BETWEEN |
It is common knowledge that the “baby boomers ”
are currently reaching sixty years old every seven
seconds. Most of them are homeowners that will
confront some mobility problem by age seventy.
Many elders have been displaced to ‘specialized’
communities . Most of them are age specific and
do not allow for children or adolescents to stay in.
| CONTEXT |
I decided to frame my work around the elderly because that is the age group my mom will be in
by the time I can design a house for her (do not tell her I told you). But, most important I am
thinking of my future. When it is time for me to be established in one place, I will like to stay
there and age-in-place. My husband and I have discussed the issue and we both agree we do
not want to move to a retirement community or nursing home. We want to be able to enjoy our
golden years together in a neighborhood which allows us to age.
One problem I have identified is the need for neighborhoods that can sustain accessible
houses. Since the sixties many architects had been talking about inclusive and accessible
design. The main solution they presented were houses designed for accessibility. Most of
them had ramps and wider doorways to permit wheel chair access. They take into
consideration kitchen counters and bathroom bars, but neglected the outside space. These
accessible houses were safe havens for persons with disabilities. At the same time it limited
their contact with outsiders and decreased community interaction. Their purpose was good
and they solved the needs of many, but their effort was not all-inclusive after all.
For a person with disabilities it is not enough having a ramp to go into their house, they need a
system that can connect the experience of getting to the ramp with the final practical service it
provides. Many approached accessibility as physical barriers and not as a social issue. The
correct angle and slope provides for comfort and functionality, but the areas around it are as
important. The relation between the sidewalk or parking space and how the ramp connects to it
are areas neglected by many architects. The use of the ramp can become obsolete if the
landing area is not well defined or if the only destination outside the dwelling is a car. Slow
mobility can be a major problem between the elderly and young kids. As I mentioned before,
ramps can alleviate this problem, but can also create misconceptions. Many people do not like
to be categorized as handicap just because their houses have a ramp. We need to take into
consideration the relation between the structures and the areas serviced. The integration of
accessibility standards should be seamless with the rest of the areas. Curbs, ramps and
sidewalks have to perform equally for all people without making disabilities more imminent.
I think intergenerational communities can ease the elderly housing issue providing an
environment that can sustain accessible areas for the interaction of all people. This problem
can be resolved if we, architects, decide to take an active role in the creation of something
more than beautiful places. We need to create beautiful and accessible places for all
people.Therefore, the elderly does not need to leave their communities.
Most new community development project or guidelines are putting emphasis in community
participation during the design process. If the elders are no longer in the community and the
young adults do not have the time to attend these meetings, the voice of the community cannot
be heard. It is important for communities to form groups with people all ages in order to take
control over their communities. Community groups are the primary link between the community
and its needs. I think every neighborhood should have representatives that can account for all
the area residents.
by the time I can design a house for her (do not tell her I told you). But, most important I am
thinking of my future. When it is time for me to be established in one place, I will like to stay
there and age-in-place. My husband and I have discussed the issue and we both agree we do
not want to move to a retirement community or nursing home. We want to be able to enjoy our
golden years together in a neighborhood which allows us to age.
One problem I have identified is the need for neighborhoods that can sustain accessible
houses. Since the sixties many architects had been talking about inclusive and accessible
design. The main solution they presented were houses designed for accessibility. Most of
them had ramps and wider doorways to permit wheel chair access. They take into
consideration kitchen counters and bathroom bars, but neglected the outside space. These
accessible houses were safe havens for persons with disabilities. At the same time it limited
their contact with outsiders and decreased community interaction. Their purpose was good
and they solved the needs of many, but their effort was not all-inclusive after all.
For a person with disabilities it is not enough having a ramp to go into their house, they need a
system that can connect the experience of getting to the ramp with the final practical service it
provides. Many approached accessibility as physical barriers and not as a social issue. The
correct angle and slope provides for comfort and functionality, but the areas around it are as
important. The relation between the sidewalk or parking space and how the ramp connects to it
are areas neglected by many architects. The use of the ramp can become obsolete if the
landing area is not well defined or if the only destination outside the dwelling is a car. Slow
mobility can be a major problem between the elderly and young kids. As I mentioned before,
ramps can alleviate this problem, but can also create misconceptions. Many people do not like
to be categorized as handicap just because their houses have a ramp. We need to take into
consideration the relation between the structures and the areas serviced. The integration of
accessibility standards should be seamless with the rest of the areas. Curbs, ramps and
sidewalks have to perform equally for all people without making disabilities more imminent.
I think intergenerational communities can ease the elderly housing issue providing an
environment that can sustain accessible areas for the interaction of all people. This problem
can be resolved if we, architects, decide to take an active role in the creation of something
more than beautiful places. We need to create beautiful and accessible places for all
people.Therefore, the elderly does not need to leave their communities.
Most new community development project or guidelines are putting emphasis in community
participation during the design process. If the elders are no longer in the community and the
young adults do not have the time to attend these meetings, the voice of the community cannot
be heard. It is important for communities to form groups with people all ages in order to take
control over their communities. Community groups are the primary link between the community
and its needs. I think every neighborhood should have representatives that can account for all
the area residents.
3 Between 1946 and 1964, the United States experienced an exceptionally high rate of birth that we have since come to call
the Baby Boom. In part because of their sheer numbers, the generations born during this period have had a profound impact on
society and the economy throughout all the stages of their lives. (Baby Boomers 2007)
4 Communities for people 55 and older; independent living, assisted living, nursing homes, etc.
the Baby Boom. In part because of their sheer numbers, the generations born during this period have had a profound impact on
society and the economy throughout all the stages of their lives. (Baby Boomers 2007)
4 Communities for people 55 and older; independent living, assisted living, nursing homes, etc.