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 | 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.
Senior Living Design | May 9, 2016
Fresh take on senior living design: developer La Posada and three: living architecture team to create Nakoma Sky
Nakoma Sky is a 70-acre, desert-resort senior living community designed for an active lifestyle. The environment connects its residents to the outdoors, not only visually but also socially.
Senior Living Design | Apr 18, 2016
CBRE: Senior housing industry shifts its focus from real estate to business
Last year was a strong year for the sector, which saw records set in per-unit pricing and low capitalization rates.
Senior Living Design | Apr 14, 2016
Creating a home for eldercare using the ‘Green House’ design concept
VOA Associates’ Douglas King offers design considerations in implementing the Green House concept in eldercare for continuing care retirement communities.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 24, 2016
Senior housing sector experiences record-setting year, says CBRE
Senior housing occupancy is at its highest level since 2007, and 2015 was a record year for sales and institutional transactions, according to CBRE.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 1, 2016
Top 10 kitchen design trends for 2016
Charging stations, built-in coffeemakers, and pet stations—these are among the top kitchen design trends for the coming year, according to a new survey of kitchen and bath designers by the National Kitchen & Bath Association.
Senior Living Design | Jan 27, 2016
Senior housing development designed to battle loneliness, inactivity
Architects with Witherford Watson Mann unveiled plans for a community residence in South London, where elderly people share space with neighbors at the center of an urban district.
| Jan 14, 2016
How to succeed with EIFS: exterior insulation and finish systems
This AIA CES Discovery course discusses the six elements of an EIFS wall assembly; common EIFS failures and how to prevent them; and EIFS and sustainability.
Sponsored | Senior Living Design | Aug 5, 2015
Douglas County Community and Senior Center, a focal point for all ages
In Douglas County, 30 percent of the 46,000 residents are senior citizens; thus the need for a senior community center had been vocalized for decades.
