Design for Aging Review

The DFAR is a biannual competition and publication showcasing facilities that improve quality of life for the aging while exhibiting innovation in their design and execution. The next competition (DFAR 2013) will accept submissions starting in June 2013.  Learn more about the Design for Aging Review.

New Urban Models for Aging Student Competition

This competition posed a unique challenge – design an intergenerational project that includes housing for frail elders and is an integral part of an urban community. It provided students an opportunity to learn about a project type that is part of a burgeoning market and in need of innovation. Recipient project urbanCARE by Sangolli Akshay will appear in the DFAR11 edition View the archived competition guidelines.

Evaluator's Tool Kit

A POE is “structured hindsight” to review and criti que the design and operati ons of senior-living communities. Aft er a facility is open with residents and staff in place, there is an opportunity to review the design team’s original assumpti ons and to assess whether goals have been met. It is a chance to observe the interacti on of residents and staff and to evaluate how the design promotes that interaction. Download the toolkit.

Design for Aging Post-Occupancy Evaluations Book

What is a postoccupancy evaluation (POE)? What can we learn to improve our design of senior living environments? The book features well-researched post-occupancy evaluations for 21 senior living facilities previously featured in the Design for Aging Review and four comparative Scandinavian senior living facilities. This publication is loaded with data and examples of well-considered design solutions. Purchase the book online.

Design for Aging Review 10
Insights and Innovations:
The State of Senior Housing
December 2010

The second consecutive design competition analysis performed by the Perkins Eastman Research Collaborative, the DFAR10 Insights Study evaluated over 90 leading-edge senior living projects from around the country, as well as several international projects. The study identified commonalities that reflect larger-scale trends and unique features that challenge those trends.

Design for Aging Review 9
Data Mining Findings
October 2008

The DFAR9 Data Mining study was conducted by the Perkins Eastman Research Collaborative; and analyzed data collected by DFA’s first web-based submission process for their ninth biennial DFAR design competition. The study took into account all 72 projects submitted to the design competition, with particular attention paid to the 36 award recipients at different times during the analysis. The study received the AIA/LeadingAge Design for Aging Publication Award for research in 2009.