Redefining sustainable design for aging adults: Bridging architecture and occupational therapy to create inclusive communities
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ePoster Viewing
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Redefining sustainable design for aging adults: Bridging architecture and occupational therapy to create inclusive communities

The rapid growth of the elderly population has increased the demand for accessible supportive living environments. Designing with a mindset that is socially sustainable is a concept that must be considered when confronting the reality of our changing demographics. Interprofessional collaboration between architecture and occupational therapy can lead to inclusive design strategies that contribute to a safe, adaptable, and user-friendly environment. This study will explore architects’ perspectives on inclusive design for older adults and evaluate a prototype assessment tool aimed at promoting inclusive design practices. This study will identify architects’ current confidence and competence regarding inclusive design. Additionally it will evaluate how an environmental assessment tool can assist architects in assessing public spaces to encourage age friendly inclusive designs. Quantitative analysis will be conducted using a pre/post test questionnaire to survey architecture professionals competence and perspective before and after an educational workshop. Additionally, a mixed methods approach will be implemented to gather qualitative and quantitative data on the preliminary development and application of the  environmental assessment tool prototype. A narrative summary of this collaboration will provide insights into establishing partnerships within architecture firms and integrating assessment tools throughout the design process.The results of the case study will provide solutions and challenges when creating inclusive design initiatives for aging adults within public community settings. The interprofessional collaboration demonstrated between occupational therapy and architects will provide valuable insight into designing inclusive age friendly communities that support sustainability initiatives and future occupational therapy collaborative practice.