With California’s 65+ population projected to grow almost 90 percent by 2030, the American Institute of Architects (AIASF) and Center for Architecture + Design are co-presenting the 2020 Design for Aging Symposium on Friday, April 23, 2020, at the Buck Institute, 8001 Redwood Boulevard in Novato, Calif. Find registration and program details here.
The Symposium comes at an important time and aims to explore the most current topics as they apply to the built environment. Programs aim to bring together the expertise of architects, senior living providers, and people from across various professions and communities to share their perspectives and knowledge about a topic that affects all generations. From teams who are redesigning SFO to make the airport more suitable to the needs of older adults to universal design recommendations, the goal of the Symposium is to further discussions on design innovations for age-friendly cities and increasing the quality of life for our aging society.
The Symposium will open with remarks from M. Arthur Gensler, Jr., FAIA, FIIDA, RIBA, founder, Gensler and Rodney Harrell, Ph.D., vice president, Livable Communities and Long-Term Services and Supports, AARP. Presenters throughout the day include a line-up of experts in the field of Design for Aging to discuss the following:
Transforming Communities Through Elements of Good Design Research has shown that incorporating elements of good design positively impacts the health and well-being of older adults. From airport redesign to increased support for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), architect and design teams are upping the ante on building spaces that address the changing needs of older adults. The burgeoning demand to create age-friendly cities are triggering innovative ways to transform communities that will support and celebrate a growing demographic of those enjoying extended longevity.
Moderator: Kris Rebillot, director of communications, Buck Institute; Presenters: Diana Anderson, M.D., M.Arch., geriatric medicine fellow, UCSF; Leslie Moldow, FAIA, principal, Perkins Eastman; John Newman, MD., Ph.D., assistant professor, Buck Institute and division of geriatrics, UCSF; Leah Witt., M.D., assistant professor, UCSF Geriatrics Department of Medicine
The Power of Technology and Elderly Assistance: The swell of cutting-edge technology focused on seniors is impacting how these individuals can communicate effectively with their loved ones wherever they may be, but the advancements are also opening opportunities that offer seniors more independence and a higher quality of life.
Presenters: Dave Alpert, FAIA, CEO + founder, Geopogo; James Benya, PE, FIES, FIALD, principal, Benya Burnett Consultancy; Deborah Burnett, ASID, IES, AASM, principal, Benya Burnett Consultancy; Michael Steiner, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, project manager, senior associate, Corgan
Design for Aging Applied: The Soul of Architecture: Hear first-hand from the people who are living the stories where good design happens.
Moderator: Christophe LaVerne, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, principal, HKIT; Presenters: Jennifer Block, Interfaith Minister + Buddhist Chaplain, San Francisco Zen Center; Zesho Susan O’Connell, spiritual director, Zen inspired Senior Living Community Project, Enso Village; Susanne Stadler, MBA, M.Arch., principal, Stadler & Architecture + Executive Director, At Home With Growing Older (AHWGO)