Age Friendly Design ( 2:15 Breakout Session ) Second Roundtable on Seniors Transportation Hosted by the Alberta Motor Association and the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council Thursday November 29, 2007 Edmonton Glenn R. Miller, FCIP, RPP
Principles of Universal Design and New Urbanism Universal Design Equity of use Flexibility of use Simple & intuitive Perceptible information Safety & tolerance for error Low physical effort Appropriate size and scale Quality of life New Urbanism Sustainability Mixed-use & diversity Mixed housing Connectivity & smart transportation Quality architecture & urban design Walkability Traditional neighbourhood & increased density Quality of life
1. Equitable and sustainable use 2. Flexibility and mixed use 3. Neighbourhood structure 4. Transit-oriented 5. Walkable 6. Simple and intuitive 7. Perceptible information 8. Quality design, safety and tolerance for error 9. Low physical effort 10. Appropriate size and scale
#1: Equitable & sustainable use Principle 1: Equitable and sustainable use Emphasis on strong public spaces with no implicit or explicit privatization of the public realm Encourages affordable housing options for a variety of users throughout their lifecycle
#2: Flexible and mixed use Requires a mix of land uses, housing tenures (strata, fee-simple, rental), and housing forms interspersed throughout the site Principle 2: Flexible and mixed use Encourages flexibility and adaptability in building and public space design (townhomes able to be converted into storefronts, parks designed for more than soccer) Anticipates densification with future additions to the landscape
#2: Flexible and mixed use Economy & Mixed Use UniverCity will include local shops and services, and employment opportunities.
#2: Flexible and mixed use Housing Choices The community offers a wide range of housing types and tenures including townhouses, non-market housing, and apartments for sale and rent.
#3: Neighbourhood structure Concentrate density and build at a human scale Principle 3: Neighbourhood structure Pay attention to solar orientation and wind impact
#3: Neighbourhood structure University Highlands: our first neighbourhood The Highlands will provide up to 2,000 homes and a commercial High Street providing local retail services.
#4: Transit-oriented Focus density to create the critical mass of services and improve the odds for future transit Principle 4: Transitoriented Intensification along corridors and opportunities for mid-rise apartments and other house forms that appeal to all ages
#4: Transit-oriented Environment: Transportation The community is served by a comprehensive public transportation system, including a shuttle service to the nearby SkyTrain station, car -sharing cooperatives, and Canada s first community transit pass program.
#5: Walkable Principle 5: Walkable Encourage walking through the scale and distribution of development, allowing for easy access to amenities, recreational uses, health care facilities or shopping Improve sidewalk quality Decrease the width of roads and carefully plan light rail and streetcar alignment
#5: Walkable Environment: Walking & Biking The community design follows smart growth principles, providing easy access for residents to get from home to school, work, recreation and shopping, along tree-lined pathways and bike paths.
#6: Simple and intuitive Principle 6: Simple and Intuitive Community design should be easily legible to visitors as well as residents Should facilitate easy and direct linkages to destinations
#7: Perceptible Information Principle 7: Perceptible Information Appropriate signage to mode of transportation Less visual clutter; simple and easyto-read directions and signs
#8: Quality design, safety and tolerance for error Principle 8: Quality design, safety and tolerance for error Community design should minimize hazards to residents (i.e. eyes on the street, appropriate roadway sizes, provision of sidewalks, bicycle lanes, traffic calming, and street lighting) g)
#8: Quality design, safety and tolerance for error University Slopes Special streets that mix bikes, pedestrians and cars.
#9: Low physical effort Principle 9: Low Physical Effort Community facilities and neighbourhood design should assist walkability and bikability and transit use Buildings should facilitate access and use by users of all ability levels
#10: Appropriate size and scale Principle 10: Appropriate Size and Scale Housing unit sizes, walking distances, street and sidewalk widths should be designed at a scale that allows all users easy access Should be able to navigate by foot, bicycle, wheelchair or scooter
#10: Appropriate size and scale Equity UniverCity has been designed das a healthy, h safe and highly livable community for all.
The way ahead? Assessment tool (in development) Collaboration with other disciplines Commitment from government and Commitment from government and the professions
Priorities for an aging Canadian society Mobility, Access, Engagement This will require continued efforts to: Improve health, well-being and independence in later life Facilitate the participation of older Canadians in economic and social life Strengthen the supportive environments within communities Sustain government programs benefiting Canadians of all ages Source: Canada s Aging Population by Health Canada and the Interdepartmental Committee on Aging and Seniors Issues, 2002
Need for integration "Design for the young and you exclude the old; design for the old and you include the young." - Bernard Isaacs Director of the Birmingham Centre for Applied Gerontology Providing fully accessible public transport options Accessible shops and services within easy reach Reducing traffic volume, speed and density Mutual consideration among all traffic participants i t
For further information about our research: Please contact: gmiller@canurb.com (416) 365-0816 x 284 www.canurb.com/aging com/aging