House

Population aging is a major challenge for our society. By 2050, 32.9% of the Belgian population will be aged 60 or over. This has a major impact on the housing sector, which is currently not adapted to the needs of this heterogeneous group.

Project HOUSE investigates the influence of housing design features on the subjective well-being (SWB) of older adults.

Objectives:

-         Mapping the heterogeneity among older adults

-         Understanding how innovative housing concepts can promote the SWB of older adults

-         Developing and validating an evaluation instrument for SWB-oriented housing

-         Designing and evaluating spatial scenarios for innovative housing

Outcomes:

-         Assessment Packages: diagnostic tools for stakeholders to assess the SWB potential of a dwelling

-         Design Decision Support Tool: support for SWB-oriented housing renovation or development

Dissemination:

-         Demonstration projects

-         Training packages

-         Publications, conferences and website