published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Architecture

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Architecture

Disabled people live in a complex world encompassing the same interests and desires that motivate the balance of the earth's population. We have always known this, but as is often the case, society often plans without considering the needs of disabled people. Progress toward the acceptance of disabled persons as total human beings has not come about because equality is not a reality for disabled people. A point of departure for this research is therefore that disablement is a relation to the surrounding world, not a static phenomenon. It should perhaps be emphasized that this “relation” applies not only to the physical but also social environment. It is hoped that this study will demonstrate the inequalities that disabled people have to contend with, with reference to services such as housing, transportation, education, employment and recreational opportunities. The attitudes, value judgments and expectations of society and the disabled themselves contribute to the creation or breakdown of barriers to full participation and equality. It is recommended that a great deal more be done to achieve the equality that disabled individuals so rightly deserve especially in regard to the promotion of self-dependent life leading to enhanced quality of living. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, 2003.

No description available.

The purpose of this research document is to understand the social issues that are generated from a globally ageing demographic, which relate to the aged identity and the current care environments available to them. Research will be conducted under the hypothesis that the design of a strategically sited care facility which, grouped with facilities that pertain to the care of the aged, could improve the quality of life for the elderly whilst promoting intergenerational connectivity. It is also hoped that ageist stereotypes could be abridged by lowering the dependency of the elderly on care providers by providing preventative and post operative rehabilitative care. The scope of the work is limited to the urban context of South Africa's ageing population primarily based on the current trend of mass urbanisation, after the abolition of the Apartheid government, which is creating a new family dynamic within South Africa where the care of the elderly is shifting onto medical institutions and care facilities. The demand for aged care facilities and the lack of resources in the field of aged care potentially create a situation where medical facilities are unnecessarily overburdened. An architectural response was generated through an investigation of current literature, case studies, precedent studies and personally conducted interviews with a number of aged care professionals. The research was conducted from a global standpoint and then focused towards issues that affect the aged individuals identity and care. The goal of this research was ultimately to inform the design of a care facility within Pietermaritzburg that is responsive to the needs of the elderly whilst being innovative towards its approach of aged care within a community. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

This thesis for the master of architecture degree focuses on the particular requirements for Senior Citizen Center in San Francisco.In the traditional society of the West, things did not change quickly, and people did not frequently move from one place to another; but this present-day society is one of dynamic suburbs; villages and towns can change their appearances in a very short time. The treatment of older people in contemporary society has caused many of them to feel alienated from the mainstream. Technical progress and the “rational” organization of present day civilization has largely eliminated the aged as persons having more experience that may beneficially be shared with the rest of us. I believe it is important to consider and respect the value of elderly people.My chosen program and site for this creative project is to design and solve the main problems of high density, the location, and the existing environments.In my own country of Thailand, there are only a few places specifically built for homeless elderly. It is very interesting therefore for me to explore and acquire knowledge for the design of Senior Citizen Center in the United States. There is a certain potential for this being useful someday in my own country. / Department of Architecture

The purpose of this paper is to present, illustrate and systematize documentation on projected and existing international examples and housing conditions for an aging population and to question the architect's role in terms of person-environment relations.As architects we often base our design on assumptions. A thorough training in the techniques of systematic observation can provide information, and data for improvements and necessities.The paper consists of two main parts. The first part focuses on research of theoretical and practical design aspects through a retrospective look at the history and the physiology of aging.Major goals are:• To increase the knowledge of person-environment interactions through a better understanding of behavioral systems of older people (environment as a stimulant).• To examine environmental attributes constituting an appropriate environment for an independent life (therapeutic aspects of design).• To identify necessities and ways of filling gaps in the relationship between theoretical design aspects and their practical application.•To refelect on historical aspects of aging by showing the ambivalence and changeability in man's systems of values.The second part of the paper considers several international innovative housing and living arrangements in an illustrative way. / Department of Architecture

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the current status of the accessibility level of campus recreation programs throughout the United States. There were no previous studies available describing the accessibility level in the campus recreation field. This study was conducted with Electronic mail and an on-line survey. Electronic mail messages were sent to inform the possible participants about the study. The participants answered the questions on-line with An Integrated Network Quizzing, Surveying, and Interactive Testing (INQSIT) system. This system enables the researcher to collect, sort and analyze the data. A total of 81 responses were obtained. The main finding is that campus recreation is not accessible for individuals with disabilities for several reasons. Program opportunities for individuals with disabilities are relatively limited compared to the programs offered for the entire campus population. Additionally, there are not enough staff available who are specifically trained for recreation and physical activity programs for individuals with disabilities. / School of Physical Education

With the passage of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) it has become a civil rights violation to deny access to persons with disabilities to public transportation. The ADA requires transit agencies to provide accessible buses or equivalent services to persons with mobility, sensory or cognitive impairments. This study examines issues concerning persons with sensory and cognitive impairments, and their access to fixed route transit services. The goal of this report is: to specify operating guidelines, suggest technological changes, offer operating policy and training programs modifications that solve problems of transit access for persons with sensory and cognitive impairments. To determine where the access problems exist in fixed route transit systems, an examination was undertaken of existing technologies and programs that are in use by transit agencies in North America. Upon review of the available literature it was noted that there were available technologies and policies for persons with visual and hearing impairments, however, little appeared to be available for persons with cognitive impairments. To fill in this knowledge gap, surveys and interviews were conducted with persons with cognitive and other impairments, persons who trained persons with sensory and cognitive impairments, and persons who provide transportation services. A major conclusion of this study is that for persons with cognitive impairments, technological solutions are not the answer to increase bus accessibility. Personal interaction is needed to solve each individual circumstance with the transit user. Training for transit personnel is needed so personnel become aware and more sensitive to the needs of all transit users. Training for the transit user is necessary so use of the transit system is accomplished with grace, speed, efficiency and dignity. Training for the trainers of persons with disabilities is necessary so transit travelers will be informed of all the available services the transit agencies are offering. Another conclusion is visual signage must be standardized to be effective. This includes location, lighting, contrast, and content. / Graduation date: 1993