Postoccupancy evaluation of subsidized housing as perceived by independent elderly residents

Pamela Swack Ledoux, Purdue University

Abstract

Assessment of human shelter is an integral component of the design process. Although standards for acceptable human shelter exist in proliferation, their source is rarely obvious, and often based on other factors than human need by the users. Frequently, design decisions for publicly subsidized housing are made by administrators guided by design professionals who may not be overly familiar with the population to be served. Involvement of user groups in the design process may best utilize the most appropriate resource group toward the successful outcome of the project. This research investigates the perceptions of elderly residents of subsidized congregate housing. Residents of two housing complexes for the elderly in a small New England town were interviewed. The Personal Environment Scale (PES) and Personal Space Attitudes (PSA) questionnaires were administered to 53 residents examining social climate, comparisons of present to previous housing, housing descriptions, housing stressors, and adaptations made since moving to present housing. Four hypotheses tested were: (1) Similarities will be found in personal social climate of respondents in each of the two complexes, (2) Previous housing type will have an effect on respondents' personal social climate, (3) Similarities will be found between personal space attitudes of respondents in each of the two complexes, and (4) Previous housing type will have an effect on respondents' personal space attitudes. The second and fourth hypotheses were rejected. PSA and PES scores did not vary significantly between the two complexes. The first and third hypotheses were not rejected. Social climate (PES) and space attitude (PSA) responses were not significantly different based upon residents' most recent previous housing type. This indicated the lack of influence of respondents' previous housing type on both personal space attitudes and social climate. Anecdotal remarks made by respondents during interviews provided additional insight into their design perceptions. The large proportion of elderly residents spending over 18 hours each day in their dwelling was discussed as a factor affecting housing satisfaction and recognition of design issues. The value of user groups in the evaluative process was discussed as a useful resource for future design planning.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Capaldi, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Home economics

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