ANALYZING LIVING SPACE AND PRODUCT DESIGN IN THE CONTEXT OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES: INSTITUTIONAL ELDERLY HOUSING

Abstract

With the increase in life expectancy and population aging, elderly prefer to spend time with their peers and live in housings that contribute to successful aging. Thus, elders need spaces contributing to their daily activity patterns. This study focuses on living spaces and the products within the living space in an institutional elderly housing located in Ankara, Turkey. A qualitative field study was conducted in which the living spaces and products within the living space that the elderly used, were analyzed and evaluated with respect to the universal design principles. Within the scope of the universal design principles, the living space and the products that are utilized in the space have both positive and negative evaluations. These evaluations are presented in detail and supported by photographs. In line with the function, the design of the spaces and products for the elderly should be planned by considering the anthropometric features and the activities of daily living of the elderly. Current study shows the necessity to pay attention and to use the principles as a guideline in both interior design and product design