Environments for Aging - Summer 2018 - 15

STUDENT DESIGN
COMPETITION

Teaming up
are adding memory care services or looking to update existing units, the panelists said it's
important for organizations and
project teams to develop design
standards for these environments. For example, they recommended appropriate flooring
or lighting choices as well as
must-have amenities such as
spas, smaller dining areas, and
activity/common areas.
The panelists noted that the
memory care populations coming into their communities are
more acute, which is driving the
need for more equipment, such
as mechanical lifts and mobility
devices, as well as assistance
from caregivers-both of which
will impact space needs, Klinger
said. For example, dining rooms
may need to be larger or have
tables big enough to accommodate caregivers who help
residents while eating.
Panelists also called for
more flexible design solutions,
including universal design
features, that could better
serve resident populations with
varying degrees of cognitive
ability. For example, adjustable
lighting controls that can mimic
circadian rhythm can be positive for all residents and help
them get better sleep. "What's
good for memory care is good
for everyone," Kieley said.
Despite all the challenges,
panelists were hopeful about
the progress they've seen and
the recognition of the importance of better design solutions.
"It's an exciting time," Beville
said. "For the first time in 10
years, we're talking about it."-
Anne DiNardo, executive editor

This year EFA Expo and EFA
magazine partnered with KaTO
Architecture, the American
Institute of Architects Design for
Aging Knowledge Community
(AIA DFA), and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
to hold a student design competition. The program asked
participants to address the
challenges of rebuilding communities in Puerto Rico that are
still devastated from last year's
Hurricane Maria. Specifically,
these third-year SCAD architecture and design students
designed modular homes that
could accommodate families
while providing supportive elements for older adults. Student
teams had to keep in mind
budget (based on FEMA funding) and local material supply
chains.
During EFA Expo, 13 teams
presented their solutions to a
jury of design professionals.
A project designed by Sophia
Regan, Ralph Nickles, and
Isabella Rodriguez Durrego was
named the Merit Award winner,
while three additional teams received honorable mention. (For
images of the winning projects,
visit EFAmagazine.com.)
KaTO Architecture, in conjunction with Syska Hennessy
Group and Walter P Moore and
Associates, is working on finalizing the winning design concept and moving it forward to
final construction drawings and
implementation-with help from
the SCAD students. The goal
is to build the final design for
a family in Puerto Rico whose
house was destroyed by the
hurricane. For more information,
contact Ingrid Fraley of AIA DFA
at ifraley@aol.com.

Summer 2018 * EFAmagazine.com

http://www.EFAmagazine.com

Environments for Aging - Summer 2018

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