This study addresses the position of design in the creation of universal and transgenerational designed dwellings. The emphasis of this study is the promotion of aging-in-place with or near family members. The objective is to understand and utilize the principals and guidelines of universal design, transgenerational design, barrier free design and place attachment. The goal of the design is to allow the elderly as well as the disabled population the ability to live and age with increased comfort as well as a strong sense of place.
The results of research lead to the development of four proposed dwellings; two of them being detached and two dwellings being attached. The site selected for this study is located in Jacksonville, Florida. The goal of the dwellings is to create four different residential dwelling additions designed to house a variety of elderly and disabled individuals of different characteristics. These four dwellings are designed to strengthen the bonds of the elderly and disabled with their family and friends while allowing them to age with dignity and a strong sense of place. Also created is a fictional showroom named Universal Dwellings. The purpose of the showroom is to illustrate how these dwellings could be marketed to the public. Though these two projects are different both relate to the general purpose of this study.
