Creative models of infill development for seniors

12 Sep 2011

Research project led by University of Sunshine Coast

Responsive models of future infill housing for seniors will be developed as part of a research project led by the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC). The project aims to develop guidelines, which will support policy makers in the design and planning of housing, especially seniors housing.

The project recognises that the high demand for seniors housing cannot be sustainably met by the current suburban greenfield models. Instead it is investigating innovative approaches to infill development and urban clusters, which can provide seniors with access to transport, services and a sense of community.

To inform the research, seniors focus groups have met in Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast. The project has facilitated photo voice workshops, in which participants take photographs in response to questions about housing and neighbourhoods. Two design charrettes or workshops in each location have further explored participants’ views and produced design solutions to the emerging issues. The workshops have considered many design issues including access to services and shops, open space, noise, transport, security, built form and density. An interesting outcome has been the possibility of access to education as a driver for the future location of seniors housing.

The project is now focused on the development of innovative typologies which can be tested with relevant housing providers such as Churches of Christ in Queensland. The project’s researchers will also consult with the Council of Mayors (SEQ), the Department of Local Government and Planning and the Local Government Association of Queensland.

Deicke Richards has provided design expertise to capture seniors’ ideas during the charrettes and is also a partner in the project, along with the Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA), Sunshine Coast Council and Churches of Christ in Queensland.