Letter from the 2012 ChairAlthough the sluggish economy of the past few years has slowed development in senior living, we are starting to see industry's inevitable growth and change. Owners and operators are rethinking their products and services in the context of the changing models of healthcare delivery. Existing facilities are being repositioned and refreshed to meet diverse consumer demands and financial forces. Memory care units are being added and existing skilled nursing units are being remodeled to incorporate the most current models of care. These catalysts for change, coupled with new energy from more architects engaging in the field, create opportunities for change, innovation, and thoughtful, innovative responses. At last, senior living environments are no longer dreary and dated, but vibrant spaces where people want to spend time. The Design for Aging (DFA) Knowledge Community seeks to be at the center of this change. Our goals are to inspire those who are experienced senior living providers and designers, educate those new to this practice, and elevate the overall design quality of senior living environments. Our focus this year is on disseminating knowledge so that we are a resource and inspiration. A bi-weekly newsletter and our website will provide articles and information on trends, past projects, and other pertinent information. We will issue several Post Occupancy Evaluations of previous competition winners to see how well they work and where we can improve. Other projects include the student competition, the first occurring last year, to show young designers how interesting, fun, and rewarding this practice can be. Additionally, we continue to partner with LeadingAge and Environments for Aging to share knowledge and increase our network. The hallmark of the DFA is the Design for Aging Review, a bi-annual monograph that highlights the best and most current senior living environments. Included in the book are imagery, plans, concepts, trends, data, and inspiration. The 2011 competition juried by a group of architects and operators selected 31 for publication, including a number of international projects. We strive to be a resource not only for architects and designers, but also owners and operators. With this goal in mind we recently expanded the Advisory Group to include operators and others with diverse perspectives, knowledge, and resources. The DFA is unique -- we go beyond the environments seen merely in glossy publications; our focus is on the balance between design and operations because they are so entwined. Our leadership and the knowledge we will share reflect this. We hope you join us in staying on top of the changing market and latest trends by sharing information, resources, and your passion for creating wonderful spaces. Sincerely, Earn up to 15 CEHs at EFA.12
Allied Events on AgingThe AIA Design for Aging Knowledge Community compiles a list of events of interest annually. National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Conference Get a Jump Start on 2012 with FREE CEH Webinars
AIA/DFA Advisory Group: Joyce Polhamus, AIA (2012 Chair); Dennis Cope, AIA; Vicki Nelson, AIA, ACHA; Richard Rosen, AIA; Betsie Sassen, RN; Dodd Kattman, AIA; Tim Mueller, AIA, LEED AP; Alexis Denton, AIA |
The American Institute of Architects |
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