Accessibility Through Design

Abstract

This thesis, Accessibility Through Design, will seek to explore the question: How can the design of a long-term care facility help promote physical and social accessibility of the elderly within an urban fabric, so as to benefit both the residents and the community? The current minimum standards for long-term care facilities can be a detriment to the health and welfare of its residents. A long-term care facility is better for both the community it is a part of and for its residents when it enables the two to easily interact. As a society, we need to find new ways to maintain the elderly’s sense of independence and freedom, while encouraging their integral involvement in our communities. This thesis will culminate in a long-term care facility located in Duluth, Minnesota. This project will endeavor to fully explore its site context and program requirements in order to find valuable ways for the elderly to interact with their community and environment. If there is to be a revolutionary increase in the population of the elderly in the coming years, then there must also be a revolution of architecture related to long-term care design.