New programme focuses on the impact of shared space streets on older people’s lives

A new research project is bringing together those interested in the impact of shared space streets on older people’s lives. You can help by identifying sites where environmental works based on these principles are to be implemented in the latter part of 2009.

OPENspace research centre would be pleased to hear from you if you are involved in a project that fits the research programme’s criteria. If the project is chosen to be included, you will benefit from a state-of-the-art assessment of the environment and older people’s perceptions and use of their local environment before and after the changes are implemented.

OPENspace is leading the research programme entitled I’DGO TOO (Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors) supported by a £1.3m grant from EPSRC (the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) and a number of partners including DfT, Scottish Government, CABE Space, Sustrans, IHIE, and Greenspace Scotland.

The aim is to examine the effects of environmental changes based on shared space principles, such as Home Zones and DIY streets, on older people’s wellbeing and quality of life. Our ultimate goal is to determine how, and in what ways, this kind of environmental intervention might represent an appropriate design solution for older people.

We are searching for shared space street or Home Zone interventions taking place in the latter part of 2009. Our research design requires time to undertake interviews, observations of activities and environmental audits before and after the environmental intervention takes place and the project (including all analysis) finishes in 2011. Please contact Susana Alves , tel. 0131 221 6285 if you have a project you would like to suggest or if you have further questions.

Catharine ward Thompson, Director, OPENspace research centre, Edinburgh College of Art and Heriot-Watt University, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9DF, tel. 0131 221 6177.