Research Summary

Research Summary

Author: United States. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Office of Policy Development and Research

Publisher:

Published: 1978

Total Pages: 64

ISBN-13:

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Mid-Rise Urban Living

Mid-Rise Urban Living

Author: Chris Johnson

Publisher: Lund Humphries Publishers Limited

Published: 2021-06-07

Total Pages: 128

ISBN-13: 9781848224643

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This book argues that the mid-rise way of urban living is an essential component of growing cities, demonstrating that the economics of this form of development are better than that of terrace houses or town houses. It begins by examining successful historic precedents of this housing type, such as the tenements of Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona and New York and successful mid-rise housing in London. The book then discusses reasons for the relative lack of contemporary mid-rise housing developments, including planning legislation, and the perception that it is a dull and uniform building type. It brings together and analyses a wide range of award-winning international contemporary examples by leading architecture firms, looks at the importance of location, the need for urban placemaking, visual interest and design diversity and mixed use precincts, and highlights the advantages, including demographic diversity, urban density, sociability and reduction of car use.


Site Planning and Design for the Elderly

Site Planning and Design for the Elderly

Author: Diane Y. Carstens

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 1993-02-15

Total Pages: 180

ISBN-13: 9780471285373

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Design for the elderly is at the forefront of architectural topics today. Yet, while much has been written about the design of indoor spaces, little work has been done on planning outdoor spaces to accommodate the needs of the elderly. Site Planning and Design for the Elderly specifically addresses this issue, drawing from a large body of original research, current knowledge, and theory to provide the background knowledge and specific information necessary for informed decision making throughout the site planning and design process. More than just a reference on accessibility standards, this volume offers key insights into the needs and concerns of older people in the built environment and presents guidelines and alternatives for responsive site planning and design. Organized in a clear step-by-step format for easy reference, issues and specific guidelines are provided for each stage of the planning and design process within the context of housing for older people. Moreover, architects, landscape architects, urban designers, developers and students will find the topics covered applicable to other settings where older people ore a part of the user profile, such as downtown renewal, hospital, and park planning projects. Numerous illustrations and case studies highlight major points throughout the text. The first sections of this volume provide valuable background information on housing options available to seniors and outline design implications of the social and physiological changes associated with advancing age. Critical design and management issues are discussed, objectives are outlined, and implementation strategies are developed, including methods for promoting wayfinding, enhancing personalization, and maximizing opportunities for social interaction. The body of this volume provides specific guidelines for each stage of development. Site planning areas addressed include site selection, the layout of housing units (including relationships between facilities offering different levels of care), recreational amenities, and circulation systems. Detailed guidelines for the location, spatial configuration, detailing, and amenities of major site components and recreational facilities are also provided. Entryways, parking, patios, rooftop developments, and gardening centers are among the specific areas covered. A brief outline of the major issues affecting use of each site component is particularly useful for making decisions regarding facility provision and for prioritizing development alternatives. Critical detailing and amenity specifications are pinpointed and thoroughly described. Paving materials, signage, lighting, site furniture, and pedestrian street crossings are among those elements examined. A concise overview in tabular form of the major guidelines presented throughout closes this practical volume. It is possible to design a site that will not only enhance the lives of elderly residents, but will be cost-effective and highly marketable as well. Site Planning and Design for the Elderly provides practical solutions to the problems of exterior design for one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. population today.