This project responds to a key principle developed by the WHO: “of prioritising the role of older people in developing research and action plans to improve the age-friendliness of their neighbourhoods” (WHO, 2007). It also addresses a growing contemporary challenge: how to ensure our ageing, urbanised populations have access to quality public green spaces to support physical, mental, and social well-being.
A primary aim of this study was to explore new models of co-design, working with older residents to create age-friendly green spaces in their neighbourhoods. We trialled a range of engagement methodologies, to evaluate what works and what does not work, thus making the engagement process more visible, tangible, and applicable in future design practice.
The project was undertaken in South Australia, with older residents joining one of three co-design teams, using different approaches (2D plan, Virtual Reality Immersive technology, Augmented Reality Immersive technology) to create an age-friendly public green space in the City of Unley.
In the analysis of each co-design approach, not only are the final design outputs examined, but more importantly, the co-design processes are also explored and compared. By developing a deeper understanding of the way older people engage with various approaches and technologies in landscape design, guidelines can be developed to maximize potential for better participatory outcomes. As such, findings of this project will provide ‘best practice’ solutions for government and non-government sectors, while also informing participating members of the WHO Age Friendly Cities and Communities network to implement rights-based participatory approach.