Northern Architecture - Promoting better places in the North East

Embracing Not Airbrushing: Designing for an Ageing Population

• Date

  26 January 2012

• Time

  6.00 - 8.00pm

• Venue

  Central Square, Orchard Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3PL

   

  Directions to Central Square

  Central Square is within short walking distance of Newcastle Central Station. Turning right out of the station, walk past the Royal Station Hotel, turn right and walk through the Orchard Street tunnel. Central Square is directly opposite, behind the 'Shopping Trolley' sculpture and next to The Telegraph public house. 

  There is limited visitor car parking available at Central Square. However, there are a number of public car parks within walking distance. Central Square is fully accessible for disabled visitors. Disabled car parking is available to the front of the building. Spaces should be booked in advance by telephoning the Landscape Institute North East office on 0191 261 1451 as there is a barrier system in operation.

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The UK population is ageing and more than one-fifth of UK citizens is now over the age of 60. Like other developed countries, is experiencing a major change in the age of its population, characterised by increasing life expectancy and continuing growth in the number of old people. In fact, life expectancy is increasing by about five hours each day, thanks to the success of medical science. 

What does this mean for society, local communities and older people? 

As needs, abilities and faculties change with age our surroundings and the facilities and products within them may become inappropriate and more difficult to use and this can lead to withdraw and isolation, both of which have a negative impact on wellbeing. 

How can and built environment professionals such as landscape architects through awareness, engagement and knowledge enhance the health and wellbeing of older people in the designs they create? 

Sue Jackson, founder of Bluespace Environments, has conducted research into wellbeing and its enhancement and sustainability, particularly for older people. 

She is passionate about the ways that older people are engaged to provide environments which cater for their needs. She has collaborated on a variety of projects with Northern Architecture and Newcastle University's Institute for Ageing and Health evaluating housing, neighbourhoods and culture and their role in and benefits to the wellbeing of older people. 

Sue's presentation for LINE will focus on general principles and guidelines design details. Starting from an understanding that the design of inclusive environments which promote wellbeing and engagement must be supported by a keen awareness of needs Sue will cover: 

1. Demographic change, perceptions of ageing and intergenerational aspects 

2. The needs of older people and sources of information 

3. Wellbeing 

4. Engaging older people in design including a street furniture case study 

Miko Engineering have developed a refined external seat product reacting to issues raised with the design of existing seating and addressing the needs of the older person. Kevin Mongan will present their design solutions and prototype seating design along with sharing the feedback that Miko Engineering has received from VOICENorth. 

VOICENorth is a means to engage with a wide, representative range of people and their communities and to consult with them on key issues around ageing and demographic change. It facilitates identifying public concerns and provides real opportunities for lay people to become involved to help to shape future research and policy-making. 

After the presentation we will decamp to The Telegraph, for drinks and to continue the discussion. 

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