National challenge invites design ideas for aged care homes

The federal government has launched a design ideas competition challenging architects and interior designers to come up with innovative ideas when applying the draft design principles and guidelines.

The National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines aim to help providers make practical changes to aged care homes and support older people to live meaningful lives in safe environments that promote independence, function and a sense of belonging.

The competition, Reimagining Where We Live, will include two sites — one metropolitan and one regional — with teams invited to enter designs for one or both. For each site, a first prize of $50,000 and second prize of $20,000 is available.

The competition is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects. Entries will be accepted until 12 pm (noon) AEDT on 15 December 2023. For more information, visit https://reimaginingwherewelive.awardsplatform.com/.

The draft principles and guidelines were released for feedback on 6 September 2023, following extensive consultation with older people, their families and carers, and will be introduced from 1 July 2024.

Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells said, “Design has the potential to vastly improve quality of life for older people living in aged care homes — as well as the working environments of the people who care for them.

“To achieve this, design must be grounded in the experiences of people who live in aged care homes and evidence for how best to mitigate the challenges that lead them to seek residential care.

“The government wants to encourage flexibility and innovation in aged care accommodation design and support emerging technologies to better meet the need of future generations.

Image credit: iStockphoto.com/Feodora Chiosea