Restorative Design Approach for Elderly People: Revisiting Biophilia Hypothesis and Universal Design Principles in Assisted Living Facilities

Abstract

The increase in the elderly population, need for assistance, and family structure change have increased assisted living facilities' need. Although these spaces contain specific regulations, the design criteria that are suitable for everyone are not set. This study discusses the biophilia hypothesis, biophilic design, and universal design patterns; in line with the information obtained in the following part of the study, an evaluation is obtained. The seven parameters of universal design, and fourteen patterns of biophilic design are evaluated together. The Rockwood Retirement South Hill, defined as an exemplary project, was examined in the light of the pattern criteria in the table and determined that it meet the preferred conditions to a great extent. This study evaluates the biophilic design criteria, which are determined to positively affect the users in terms of psychological, physiological, and sociological fields; and the universal design criteria, which are both easy access to the elderly, equal social opportunity is an infrastructure for future studies.

Keywords

• restorative design approach
• elderly people
• biophilia hypothesis
• universal design principles
• assisted living

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