What will architects of the future need to consider for age-inclusive design?

Emerging trends in inclusive design

There are various design trends impacting the delivery of creative and commercial solutions across the nation. A major trend within this is experiential design, emerging across the retail and hospitality sectors. Experiential design focuses on service, comfort and convenience, helping people to feel connected to the space around them. This trend can be used to promote inclusive design through incorporating sensory aspects into design considerations, such as touch, hearing, memory, and vision, and focusing on open space, air quality, and noise. By creating developments which consider cross-generational requirements, our communities can be better-considered through innovative age-inclusive design. 

What is age-inclusive design?

Age-inclusive design is becoming an increasing priority within architecture following recent insights into the changing demographic landscape within the UK. It is predicted that by 2043, 24% of the population will be aged 65 or above. In consideration of this, architectural designs must place thought into the accessibility of spaces for this demographic as a significant proportion of the nation.

Age-inclusive design principles

Cartwright Pickard collaborated with the Helen Hamyln Centre for Design to produce a research project and develop a set of principles for age-inclusive design. The study defined 18 design principles for implementing age-inclusive design. One of these principles included incorporating mixed-use developments combining commercial, residential, and recreational spaces in order for older adults to have ease of access to various amenities and reducing their dependence on travel. By considering the needs of this population within commercial and mixed-use development, architects can ensure their spaces are inclusive for all. 

What should be considered in age-inclusive design?

It is important to consider any physical limitations or challenges which may be faced by an increasing ageing population, including the following:

• Reduced mobility
• Memory, vision, or hearing impairments
• Feelings of isolation or loneliness
• Risk of accidents such as falling or slipping

The following elements may be considered as examples of methods to place inclusive design principles into action:

• Testing of acoustics, preventing excessive noise through the use of soft furnishings to account for those with hearing aids.
• Creating clear and unobstructive paths, with large open hallways and entrances and clearing of obstacles.
• Combining natural and soft artificial light to maximise lighting in spaces for those with visual impairments making it difficult to see in poorly lit environments.
• Improving comfort for seating through using adjustable seat heights and ergonomic support, to make it easier for those with limited mobility to get out of their seats.

RIBA Framework for Inclusive Design

Another framework promoting inclusive building design is the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Plan of Work which aims to improve standards of buildings and space design to be inclusive of all social characteristic groups. The Inclusive Design Overlay guidance was created in addition to cover design, construction, and management phases, emphasising user feedback and lived experience to foster inclusive spaces. Commenting on the standards, Ed Warner, a member of the Inclusive Design Overlay Steering Group, stated that his confidence that the guidance will “inspire positive change, helping to improve inclusive design across the UK and inspiring action across the world”.

Across the world, people are living longer, with every country experiencing growth in size and proportion of the older population. It is estimated that by 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 or over. Living habits are adapting, with the averagement retirement age set to increase to 68 from 2044-2046. Such changes are attributed to improved life expectancy, coinciding with decreased rates of fertility whereby people are having fewer children and later in life, which is bringing significant shifts to the structure of the UK population. Whilst this poses economic, public service, and social impacts, the increased ageing population also presents an opportunity, with longer time spent working, and increased involvement in volunteering, and increased time for socialising, architects of the future must preempt requirements for demographic shifts in a society which is constantly evolving. 

Architectural design support

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