Smart Housing: An Intelligent Environment for Aging Independently

The purpose of The Smart House, Livable Community, Your Future project was to demonstrate how good design, assistive technology, and well-planned community amenities, support independent living as well as increase usability across the lifespan. We used a variety of strategies to share information on smart design to Baby Boomers. A 1,300 square foot exhibition, designed as a home, allowed visitors to tryout assistive technology and observe structural innovations. Workshops explored innovative design for (a) consumers and caregivers; (b) developers, remodelers, contractors, and designers; and, (c) community planners and policy makers. A Smart House, Livable Community, Your Future website provides free, downloadable activities and information to Baby Boomers and encourage community conversations. The paper describes various aspects of the project and summarizes participants’ reactions to the content; the paper also explores implications for designers and planners interested in creating intelligent environments. The project inspired participants to think about strategies for improving the built environment. Multiple outreach formats, an interactive exhibition, workshops, and an interactive website, helped us to reach the Baby Boomer cohort.