A Framework of Design Criteria for Elderly Facilities Using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Abstract

The increase in population ageing worldwide is giving rise to the design of age-friendly cities and facilities. Recognizing elderly needs is essential to promote an active life that enables them to continue participating in society. However, in most countries there is no precedent that justifies the choices in the design of spaces for the elderly, so this study proposes an evaluative model of physical design that satisfies and fulfills the needs of the elderly. The “Design Pyramid” is based on the Theory of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs linking the needs of the elderly with architectural attributes. The application of this model allows evaluating the spatial design and its elements and exploring improvements to promote the well-being of the elderly. The model proposal is validated by its application in evaluating an existing public elderly facility. The results validated that the Design Pyramid can be used to assess any existing facility for the elderly. Also, since the results display the quality and sufficiency of the physical design characteristics that respond to the elderly needs, this allows the immediate or future improvement of these buildings. And finally, it provides design criteria that become guides for the completion of a base prototype for future development.