Study Architecture 
ProPEL Registration Deadline: April 8, 2026
2026 Design for Aging Competition
AN INTERGENERATIONAL UNION:
A Campus-Integrated Hub for Lifelong Learning and Active Aging
Resources
AN INTERGENERATIONAL UNION: A Campus-Integrated Hub for Lifelong Learning and Active Aging
A core aim of ACSA competitions is to help students recognize that strong design is grounded in research. Accessing, interpreting, and applying credible information is a fundamental part of developing responsive, resilient, and innovative solutions.
A growing body of evidence shows that the built environment has a measurable impact on occupant stress, safety, health outcomes, and quality of life. The process of making design decisions based on research to achieve specific outcomes is known as Evidence-Based Design (EBD). A wide range of trusted resources—including websites, credentialing programs, publications, and organizations—can support student research and help strengthen the programming, planning, spatial, and experiential logic. Participants are encouraged to explore EBD strategies, precedent projects, and reliable resources that demonstrate innovation in aging-friendly, inclusive, and intergenerational environments.
Evidence-Based Design (EBD) & Research Application
- The Center for Health Design (CHD)
- Website: healthdesign.org
- EBD resources and peer-reviewed publication knowledge repository
- EDAC certification (Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification)
- Free and member-based research publications
- The Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI)
- Website: fgiguidelines.org
- Author of Guidelines for Design and Construction of Residential Health, Care, and Support Facilities
- Includes standards for memory care, assisted living, and long-term care
Aging & Aging in Place
- World Health Organization – Global Age-friendly Cities
- Website: who.int/publications/i/item/9789241547307
- A guide to engage cities to become age-friendly and tap the potential that older people represent for humanity
- AARP Livable Communities
- Website: www.aarp.org/livable
- Reports, design guides, and universal design checklists
- Research on senior housing, intergenerational design, and social infrastructure
- National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) – CAPS Certification
- Website: www.nahb.org
- Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) credential and training program
- Focus on home modification, accessibility, and safety
- Executive Certificate in Home Modification (ECHM) – USC Leonard Davis School
- Website: homemods.org
- Highly respected program for modifying homes to support aging in place
- Executive Certificate in Home Modification
- Website: https://homemods.org/echm/
- An intensive program that provides access to the latest on home modification research, products, funding strategies, policies, and community planning
- SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders)
- Website: sageusa.org
- Research and design considerations for LGBTQ+ inclusive elder housing
Intergenerational & Inclusive Design
- Intergenerational Task Force
- Website: https://sagefederation.org/roadmap/
- A “roadmap” checklist of intergenerational elements and survey data
- Generations United – Intergenerational Program Certification
- Website: gu.org
- Toolkits and policy guides to support intergenerational programs and shared site models
- Intergenerational Housing Task Force reports
- Pocket Neighborhoods by Ross Chapin
- Book & Website: pocket-neighborhoods.net
- Focus on small-scale, community-centered housing typologies
- Cohousing Association of the United States
- Website: cohousing.org
- Examples, case studies, and planning resources for intergenerational and senior cohousing
Campus-Connected Communities & Retirement Models
- University and College Retirement Communities
- Website: universityretirementcommunities.com
- Database of campus-based retirement living models
- Insight into partnerships between higher education institutions and senior housing developers
- College-Linked Retirement Communities
- Website: retirementliving.com/college-linked-retirement-communities
- Communities located on or near a campus with education institution connections
- A Guide to University Retirement Communities
- caring.com/resources/guide-to-university-based-retirement-communities/
- Difference Between Senior Living Communities and University Retirement Communities
Key Reports & Foundational Readings
- S. Surgeon General’s Advisory: “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation” (2023)
- Full Report: hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
- Defines the Six Pillars of Connection
- Offers a public health framework applicable to intergenerational design
- Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC), OCAD University
- Website: https://idrc.ocadu.ca
- Research and tools focused on design for diversity, accessibility, and equity
Books & Articles
- Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors (I’DGO)
- Research project on aging and access to outdoor environments
- Website: idgo.ac.uk
- Design for Aging: International Case Studies of Building and Program – by Jeffrey Rosenfeld & Wid Chapman
- An excellent precedent resource on senior living environments globally
- Amazon: https://a.co/d/icoF6Dd
- Creating Cohousing: Building Sustainable Communities – by Kathryn McCamant & Charles Durrett
- The definitive guide to the cohousing movement with site plans, models, and case studies
- Amazon: https://a.co/d/jcNL3kZ
- The Architect’s Guide to Inclusive Design: Embrace Diversity, Enhance Flexibility, Create Community – by Chris C. Penman
- A resource designed to infuse projects with innovation and inclusivity from the ground up
- Amazon: https://a.co/d/jjYSwL7
- The Senior Cohousing Handbook: A Community Approach to Independent Living – by Charles Durrett
- A comprehensive guide to the psychological and logistical aspects of joining or creating a cohousing project
- Amazon: https://a.co/d/j4ikiOY
- Pocket Neighborhoods: Creating Small-Scale Community in a Large-Scale World – by Ross Chapin
- Inspiration and practical ideas to create meaningful, livable communities that prioritize connection and quality of life
- Amazon: https://a.co/d/0xhQG06
Competition Sponsor
The mission of the AIA Design for Aging (DFA) Knowledge Community is to foster design innovation and disseminate knowledge necessary to enhance the built environment and quality of life for an aging society. This includes relevant research on characteristics, planning and costs associated with innovative design for aging. In addition, DFA provides outcome data on the value of these design solutions and environments.
Competition Organization
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture
Leading Architectural Education and Research
The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture is a nonprofit, membership association founded in 1912 to advance the quality of architectural education. The school membership in ACSA has grown from 10 charter members to over 250 schools in several membership categories. These include full membership for all accredited programs in the United States and government-sanctioned schools in Canada, candidate membership for schools seeking accreditation, and affiliate membership for schools for two-year and international programs. Through these schools, over 6,000 architecture faculty members are represented. In addition, over 500 supporting members composed of architecture firms, product associations and individuals add to the breadth of interest and support of ACSA goals. ACSA provides a major forum for ideas on the leading edge of architectural thought. Issues that will affect the architectural profession in the future are being examined today in ACSA member schools.
Competition Organizers & Sponsors
Questions
Edwin Hernández-Ventura
Programs Coordinator
ehernandez@acsa-arch.org
202.785.2324
Eric W. Ellis
Senior Director of Operations and Programs
eellis@acsa-arch.org
202-785-2324
