Abstract:

Singapore is now embarking on a new stage in housing one of the most rapidly growing aging populations in the world. Consequent moves towards providing specialized housing units for elderly residents, whilst laudable, might prove to be exclusionary, unless they embrace more universal standards of design for all levels of abilities. But the pressing need to take gerontological aspects into account, both in access legislation and in housing provision, offers an opportunity to embrace Universal Design as the key to satisfying the country's housing needs, whether for multi-generational apartments or smaller units for independent living.