Post Occupancy Evaluations
Mission Creek
Written by Dorit Fromm, AIA
Edited by Jeffrey W. Anderzhon, FAIA |
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"Hands-on" experiential data is certainly available yet it is often untapped and undocumented. Unique approaches to design and care remain unshared. Post occupancy evaluations (POEs) help identify which design approaches are beneficial and why.
Through data collection and analysis, interviews, on-site observations, graphics and images, POEs evaluate what design features work well, which do not, and provide the foundation for evidence-based design. |
Features
Design Guidelines for the Visual Environment Now Available for Public Review
The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) and its Low Vision Design Committee are pleased to make Design Guidelines for the Visual Environment available for public review, and welcome your comments.
The goal of the Design Guidelines is to encourage decisions that enhance universal accessibility for the health and safety of the occupants of the designed space, including those persons with visual impairment.
Please send your comments to Stephanie Stubbs at sstubbs@nibs.org by April 4, 2014.
For more information and to download the current draft, please visit the NIBS website.
Seven Aging-in-Place Essentials
By Charlotte O'Malley, Builder Magazine
According to U.S. Census data, the number of Americans 65 and older is expected to rise 35 percent from 2010 to 2020. This plays a big part in the upswing of universal design and aging-in-place home features the past few years, accompanying the increase of multigenerational homes.
► Read the article online »
Aging-in-Place Remodeling Checklist
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Have you ever wanted a quick reference for aging-in-place issues? Are you wondering how to incorporate some aesthetically pleasing designs into your projects? If so, the Aging-In-Place Design Checklists might be suited to your needs.
► Read the article online »
Urban Dwellers: Detroit Attracting City Lovers with Adventurous Spirit
By Dennis Archambault, Model D (Detroit)
Detroit has become a cool destination for adventure seekers of all ages. While the growing young professional population has been well-documented, empty-nesters are creeping in, and definitely not looking for a quiet retirement community.
► Read the article online »
Why Gayborhoods Matter
By Richard Florida,The Atlantic Cities
For the world premiere of HBO’s Looking, the new show about the lives of three gay men in the Bay Area, the cable network turned to one of the epicenters of gay culture in perhaps the most gay-friendly city in the country: the Castro Theatre, right in the center of one of the most thriving “gayborhoods” in the world. Chicago has Boystown, D.C. has Dupont Circle, Seattle has Capitol Hill, and the list goes on.
► Read the article online »
In Taking Back Urban Areas, Latinos are Causing a 'Gente-fication' Across the U.S.
By Soni Sangha, Fox News Latino
Lincoln Heights is the kind of place where you might hang out with your neighbors on a warm day, drinking in the stunning views of downtown Los Angeles. But it’s also the kind of place where, just a few weeks ago, a SWAT team descended freeing hostages who had been taken prisoner in their home by four armed invaders.
► Read the article online »
Upcoming Events
Environments for Aging Conference
The AIA Design for Aging Knowledge Community is proud to once again bring our members the Environments for Aging Conference, taking place May 3 – 6, 2014 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA. EFA offers the latest strategies and ideas for creating attractive and functional living environments that meet the needs of our aging population. During this comprehensive three-day learning experience, attendees will network with peers while learning the latest innovations and best practices in the design of long-term and residential care settings.
Attendees will share common goals and innovations as well as building, architecture and design best practices. Don't miss this opportunity to gain inspiration through a gathering of like-minded, forward-thinking individuals instrumental in the creation of future living environments for the aging. For more information or to register, visit our website at www.EnvironmentsforAging.com.
Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) Conference
EDRA45NewOrleans "Building with Change" takes place May 28-31, 2014 at the Astor Crowne Plaza in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. It will focus on "new research methods and design strategies for the human habitation of our dynamic environment."
Register here or visit www.edra.org/edra45neworleans for more information.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email the conference co- chairs at edra45neworleans@edra.org.
AIA DFA Convention Events
Post Occupancy Evaluation Toolkit: Sharing POE Approach Developed by the AIA Design for Aging Knowledge Community
Thursday, June 26 | 7:00-8:00 AM
The AIA Design for Aging Knowledge Community Advisory Group and the Design for Aging Review Task Force have refined a process of conducting credible and informative POEs which is published as the "AIA Design for Aging Post Occupancy Evaluation Toolkit." This program will review the definition of a POE, the three types of POE that may be considered, and the detailed process of conducting an "investigative" POE.
Design a Future of Vitality in Aging: Navigate Limits, Expand Choices, Multiply Outcomes
Friday, June 27 | 4:00-5:30 PM | Earn 1.50 AIA HSW LUs + RIBA
This session marshals emerging outcome data on core characteristics of aging that contribute to vitality, to the ability to experience life and function effectively (despite notable changes). Starting with progress on mobility/balance, mental function and the roles of social affiliation, evidence is summarized for emerging roles of design, of architecture as a partner in vitality. Using case examples of specially built settings and everyday communities, participants will be led on a re-imagining of aging itself.
Thinking Beyond the Building: Aging-in-Place and Lifelong Communities
Friday, June 27 | 6:00-7:00 PM | Earn 1.0 AIA HSW LUs + RIBA + GCBI
Learn the facts and statistics that are facing the nation regarding the aging of our population and the housing crisis it will bring. Examine projects for appropriate location, density, and intensity to understand the basic needs and incorporate healthy living choices for all ages in neighborhood design.
