Research on Participatory Design in Architecture:
Ageing in Place - Home improvement for elderly in public housing

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Teacher: Rosalia Leung Ho-Ching 

Students:
2021/22 Iraqi Yasmine, Chan Christy Sum Yu, Cheng Tsz Ching, Cheung Wing Lam, Lung Hsiang-yi, Luo Bing, Ma Hoi Yung, Ma Sze Ming, Ng Pui Lam Helen, Tsoi Tin Shun, Wong Jasmine Erica, Fok Howard Ka Ho, Huang Yimeng, Tang Xiao, Tong Ka Chun Ben, Wang Xishuo, Zeng Yiling, Zhuang Peida, Gan Guojun, Zhou Anyu, Hui Chun Sing, Ng Tsz Ying
2022/23 Cheung Tsz Kiu Jackie, Foo Kwan Yee, Ma Ho Ching, Li Hanshen, Xu Wenyue, Zhao Yan, Zhu Kaiyuan

Course Abstract
Themes: Participatory Design, Community Engagement, Co-design, Architectural design

“Participatory Design”(PD) and “Public Engagement” are terms which appear more frequently in contemporary architectural discourse. International architectural awardees such as Assemble and Elemental both emphasise the importance of public participation throughout design, construction and post-completion phases. 

Despite the power distribution between architect, client and users is rarely at an equilibrium position, the “participatory” approach is getting more attention nowadays due to its consideration of a larger group of stakeholders, especially the end-users.

Using it both as a token and a design method, the “participatory” discourse is now slowly changing the process of architectural production. While more architects see this as an opportunity to bridge between the profession and layman, some may question the legitimacy and effectiveness of this approach.

•  How might we create a participatory process which can empower the end-users rather than being a token for those in power?
•  How might we truly understand and respond to the end-user’s deepest problem rather than blindly following their preference?
• How might architect’s professional knowledge and users’ tacit knowledge work together, so the design impact can be leveraged?

This course is an action-research on the participatory design approach.

To design the design process
Ageing in Place - Home improvement for elderly in public housing

We will look at contemporary thinking on social participation by readings and case studies through in-class discussion, workshops and student presentation. Simultaneously we will apply the PD approach by engaging with a local NGO to tackle the issue of Ageing in Place in Hong Kong. Students will be encouraged to draw connections and reflections to the way readings and case studies relate to their participatory design project in this course.

Using the participatory design approach, we will develop user-centric age-friendly design in the existing homes of targeted families with key stakeholders (elders, caregivers, social workers, healthcare professionals).

• What are the creative means through design that can allow them to stay at home longer?
• How might we re-imagine the ageing experience?

Through developing real-case home improvement design project, this course also aims to transform how our society thinks about care-giving, illness, ageing experience and age-friendly design through participatory approach with the ultimate goal of creating a city where ageing well becomes a measure of living well.