Universal Design Concepts Applied to a Semi-automated Loft for the Third Age with Accessibility

Abstract

With the growth of the elderly population in Brazil, there is increasing concern about appropriate dwellings for the elderly and to make these environments fit for this age group. For this important task of design, greater use must be made of information and computing tools so as to draw up more innovative designs. Adapting environments from the point of view of the dimensions, of computerization, of the physical space and of furniture in order make homes comfortable, safe and suitable for the elderly, as become of great importance today, because recent studies reveal that every year in our cities, the number of elderly people has been increasing. The object of this paper is to present a proposal for a dwelling with multiple functions, all of them concentrated on computer systems that meet the needs and assist this age group in coping with their limitations. Under the rules of Living with Gerontology arising from old age, adapting a new space for an accessible Loft is, according to the latest trends, a new concept of housing that aims to offer the elderly, an ever-growing and more active segment of society, a setting that is more appropriate and a safer life which has quality and dignity.