OZ Architecture, an award-winning national architecture and design firm, today released the “Designing for Emergency Preparedness Insight Report”, which outlines design considerations that can help reduce the spread of disease and infection in older adult communities.
In recent years, many older adult communities have shifted away from the healthcare-oriented design of skilled nursing and hospitals in favor of spaces that provide a greater sense of community and emotional well-being. However, new design challenges have arrived as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, showing that older adult populations can be highly susceptible to disease and infection spread in common living communities.
The “Designing for Emergency Preparedness Insight Report” lays out multiple design solutions that can be implemented during an emergency to reduce the spread of disease. Specifically, it provides actionable design solutions that can help reduce the transmission of germs through:
· Architectural design that lends itself to the compartmentalization of residents and staff;
· Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems;
· Limiting outside sources from entering resident units, entering the community, or reducing the travel distance once inside;
· Interior design solutions; and
· Technology
“COVID-19 will have a drastic and lasting impact on senior living communities and will forever change the way we design and build spaces for older adults,” said Jami Mohlenkamp, principal at OZ Architecture, head of the firm’s Senior Living practice area and industry expert. “We can overcome many of the challenges associated with the spread of disease through design, while also continuing to create spaces that foster community and combat isolation. This report is designed to give operators a look at the future of design for older adult communities.”
Download the full report here: https://ozarch.com/2020/05/future-of-designing-for-emergency-preparedness-in-senior-living-communities/
Related Stories
Senior Living Design | Apr 24, 2018
96-unit senior housing community opens in Orland Park, Ill.
The units are split between assisted living apartments and memory care studios.
Senior Living Design | Jan 31, 2018
Senior living design trends for 2018
Public-facing fitness centers and “sense of place” design accents are among the emerging trends in senior living facilities, according to design firm studioSIX5.
Industry Research | Nov 28, 2017
2018 outlook: Economists point to slowdown, AEC professionals say ‘no way’
Multifamily housing and senior living developments head the list of the hottest sectors heading into 2018, according a survey of 356 AEC professionals.
Senior Living Design | Oct 5, 2017
New senior housing community is first in U.S. to offer Spark of Life dementia care
Aspired Living of Westmont is a 107-unit assisted living and memory care community.
Senior Living Design | Sep 7, 2017
BoomTown: A Future for all ages
Despite our enhanced understanding of how integral socialization and engagement are to long-term health, we continue to perpetuate a senior housing paradigm that places people in self-contained communities.
Senior Living Design | Jul 31, 2017
How technology will change senior care
When a family member can no longer be cared for in their current home, they require specialized care that is only available in a long-term care center.
Senior Living Design | May 9, 2017
Designing for a future of limited mobility
There is an accessibility challenge facing the U.S. An estimated 1 in 5 people will be aged 65 or older by 2040.
Senior Living Design | Jan 25, 2017
2017 design trends for the senior living industry
The evolution of attracting Baby Boomers versus the Silent Generation.
Senior Living Design | Aug 3, 2016
Senior housing project meets tough state health standards and earns LEED Gold
The building complies with NY state’s Medicaid Redesign Team program
Senior Living Design | May 16, 2016
Perkins Eastman releases white paper on biophilic design in senior living
The paper highlights some of the firm's top projects that feature biophilic design, a sustainable architecture strategy that connects people with nature.
