Serene Senescence: Modular Aging in Place in Fargo, North Dakota
Abstract
As the population of baby boomers reaches retirement age, the
question of how to house and properly care for this generation
comes to mind. Many of the smaller living spaces geared toward
the senior population are not always designed to address their changing physical, social, and emotional needs. By creating
a system of modular spaces to be combined to readily create
accessory dwelling units--more commonly known as “granny
flats”--on the properties of their children or close friends, these
needs are more easily met.
The inclusion of universal design principles ensures that these
accessory dwelling units are fit to meet the needs of the resident
without giving the sterile feeling of a nursing home. Different
sized options for each space allows the resident to choose the
spaces that fit their specific needs to reduce excess wasted
space. By creating a living space on the property of a child
or friend, anxiety is reduced for both the senior and their child
and the social and emotional bonds between the two are
strengthened.