Architecture, Building and Planning - Research Publications

Permanent URI for this collection

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Physical and perceptual gap in indoor environmental quality: a mixed method study of space and users at an aged care facility in Victoria
    Noguchi, M ; Woo, CMM ; Chau, H-W ; Zhou, J ; Pianella, A ; Newton, C (Taylor & Francis, 2019-05-11)
    Nearly a quarter of a million of Australia's ageing population live in residential aged care facilities. Given the growing ageing population in Australia, it is important to understand the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of these settings in consideration of not only measurable IEQ data but also senior occupants’ perceived comfort for their health and wellbeing. In this research, a residential aged care facility was selected in Victoria, Australia, as a case study to examine these relationships across different seasons. IEQ monitoring devices were deployed for continuous and instantaneous data collection on site. Questionnaires and personal interviews were also conducted across three user groups (residents, staff and visitors) to establish an understanding of the users’ perceptions. This study found the existence of a gap between measurable and perceptual IEQ according to the building configuration and occupancy as well as the user lifestyle and activity.
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Design lessons from three Australian dementia support facilities
    Chau, H-W ; Newton, C ; Woo, CMM ; Ma, N ; Wang, J ; Aye, L (MDPI AG, 2018-05-24)
    There is a significant increase in the number of people with dementia, and the demand for residential support facilities is expected to increase. Providing an appropriate living environment for residents with dementia, which can cater for their specific needs is crucial. Residential aged care design can impact the quality of life and wellbeing of the residents. In this investigation, three recently constructed dementia support facilities in Victoria, Australia are selected for evaluation. Through fieldwork observation, design evaluation and space syntax analysis, the aim of this investigation is to consider the design of these three facilities in the context of current evidence on how the built environment can best accommodate residents with dementia.