Urbaging: Designing urban space for an ageing society

The aim of the research project “Urbaging – Designing urban space for an ageing society” was to assess the adequacy of built environment and public space in two Swiss cities to the needs of the elderly generations, in order to develop strategies able to integrate these requirements in the urban planning and design processes

Urbaging has analyzed the use of public places and his accessibility for elderly people in two Swiss cities. This knowledge was used to develop new ideas on planning and project in order to improve the adequacy of these spaces to the needs of elderly people.

The significance of the project lies in enabling Swiss cities to cope with the changing demographic structure of their population and the uninterrupted urban growth and urban sprawl. Indirectly, this scenario will bring substantial benefits in reducing costs for elderly services and care and improving the well-being of these groups. A new way of rethinking the territorial organization will help to fight the urban sprawl and reduce transportation needs and environmental impacts of urban development

The demographic scenario which foresees a strong increase of elderly population (1/4 of the Swiss population will have more than 65 years in 2040) put under strong pressure urban organization and spaces which have been designed for the needs of the working population and the families. In this context, the project goes beyond the punctual provision of specific services for elderly – for example home care services, dedicated transportation, etc. – towards the integration of elderly needs in the urban planning.

The relevance of the Urbaging research lies in its methodology and in the importance that play the public space in the assessment of the capacity of a city to generate, maintain and increase the well-being of the citizens.

Read the full news here

Recommended by Luisa Bravo