Competition
People are living longer than ever before, and as a result, an aging population is struggling to find a place to live out their golden years. While there are, of course, often concerns about healthcare and support, there are a huge number of factors that affect older generations that aren't always considered. Many in the older generation struggle to adapt to the changes in their lifestyle. They're unable to do everything they used to, they're not working or interacting with their community as much, and of course, many will be dealing with the loss of loved ones.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is also being felt, as staff shortages, tighter budgets, and new health and safety restrictions make the supply of suitable retirement housing even smaller.
The Portugal Elderly Home competition is tasking participants with designing a retirement home in central Portugal.
Portugal is one of the most popular countries in the world for retirement living, having ranked 4th in International Living's Global Retirement Index for 2022. In addition to great weather and a combination of stunning coasts, countryside, and cities, retirees in Portugal love the country's friendliness and sense of community.
Portugal is one of the most popular countries in the world for retirement living, having ranked 4th in International Living's Global Retirement Index for 2022.
The Portugal Elderly Home competition is tasking participants with designing a retirement home in central Portugal. It will need to house 60 residents and ten support staff comfortably. It should also include several features, including a small library, a gathering room, a chapel, a kitchen, and a dining room, as well as a private area that could function as a nurse's room and therapy room for psychological support.
By putting accessibility at the forefront of design and creating a space that meets the unique requirements of an aging population of residents, architects and designers have the chance to reinvent accessible architecture.
The Portugal Elderly Home competition is a chance for participants to explore how architecture can offer support to those who need it most. How can architecture influence how a person moves through a home? How can it help people to feel safe, comfortable, and independent?
Download the full competition brief for more information!
The competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum). Correspondence with organizers must be conducted in English; All information submitted by participants must be in English.
