Adaptable Housing Architecture and Social Care

What is it about?

Existing concepts of housing are currently being re-evaluated, often prompted by unfavourable projections on population ageing, issues related to the sustainability of social systems, or challenges related to respect for human rights, which are a frequent impetus for housing research. When considering the design of housing for different users, we have to take into account different life situations, e.g. changes in family life, changes in housing users, but also ageing users or deteriorating health conditions. Housing must also be prepared for the provision of care services or personal assistance. Adaptable forms of housing that take into account the needs of different users are expected to be of undisputed benefit to all. This paper discloses a method for exploring new adaptive housing concepts to enable necessary changes in buildings for housing without difficult structural modifications. In particular, the research is oriented towards tracking changes in family life and the possible need for social services in the home environment. In order to ensure as much independence as possible for older adults or users with a disability, the emphasis in the design of new housing concepts is on adhering to universal design principles, on integrating artificial intelligence technology solutions, or on tightening security features. The adaptability of buildings for housing is also a suitable approach in terms of sustainable architecture, as it saves resources, construction waste and emissions, thereby reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry. The research is carried out in accordance with the current process of transformation of the social services system in Slovakia and in this context it was necessary to focus the research both on the state of the existing housing stock, whether it is ready to provide care in the home environment, as well as on new models of housing that would be able to take into account the individual needs of service users related to disability, illness or ageing. The basis for research were the results of a number of surveys carried out in social service buildings across Slovakia, such as a survey of the capabilities of social service users, an assessment of the risks and shortcomings of existing social service buildings, and a survey of the desires and wishes of recipients of year-round residential services about their own housing. Namely deinstitutionalisation envisages the return of users of large-scale residential facilities to their home environment or their relocation to new housing, so-called 'small group houses'. The final part of the article summarises the results of the research, which have shown that the diversity of service users requires specific approaches in the design of new housing concepts. The findings are illustrated by means of the authors’ own concepts and schematic designs of model adaptive housing projects.

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Photo by Breno Assis on Unsplash

Photo by Breno Assis on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Housing plays an important role in the life of every person; it symbolizes autonomy and independence. For almost 100 years, architects have been involved in designing adaptable housing that could better respond to the current needs of housing users. Adaptable Housing and Accessibility Adaptable Housing and Ageing in Place Adaptable Housing and Deinstitutionalisation

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