DENVER — OZ Architecture, a Denver-based architecture firm, has released Designing for Emergency Preparedness Insight Report, which outlines design considerations that can help reduce the spread of disease and infection in seniors housing communities.
“In recent years, many older adult communities have shifted away from the healthcare-oriented design of skilled nursing and hospitals in favor of spaces that provide a greater sense of community and emotional well-being,” the company notes. “However, new design challenges have arrived as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, showing that older adult populations can be highly susceptible to disease and infection spread in common living communities.”
The report suggests changes to:
- architectural design that lends itself to the compartmentalization of residents and staff;
- mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems;
- limiting outside sources from entering resident units, entering the community, or reducing the travel distance once inside;
- interior design solutions; and
- technology
“COVID-19 will have a drastic and lasting impact on senior living communities and will forever change the way we design and build spaces for older adults,” says Jami Mohlenkamp, principal at OZ Architecture and head of the firm’s senior living practice. “We can overcome many of the challenges associated with the spread of disease through design, while also continuing to create spaces that foster community and combat isolation.”
Click here to read the full report.