The European Federation for Living (EFL) is hosting a design competition for architecture and design students requesting stimulating, innovative ideas in the field of new-build accessible housing for the elderly. Sponsored by the Finnish governmental organisation ARA, students with a background in design and architecture are challenged to deliver ideas and designs for a new generation ‘accessible homes’.

 As by 2060, over half of the European population will be past retirement age. In response to this fundamental change in demography, we want to investigate ideas about how best we can house our ageing society so that people can continue being a resource for society well into the later years of their lives. This will likely require a majority of housing to be made adaptably accessible so that it can accommodate our changing needs as we age, rather than people being rehoused into “elder friendly” accommodation. Entrants are encouraged to think broadly about the needs of the ageing population and the issues of accessibility and to build multidisciplinary teams by involving (for example) gerontology, engineering, or social science students. A total of EUR 10,000 in prizes will be awarded to the winning entries. The best entries will be rewarded with interesting prices. The award ceremony will take place during the EFL Conference in Helsinki, taking scheduled in Spring 2016. 

Learn more about the EFL Design Competition on Accessible Housing!