Education and Existing Knowledge of Architects in Germany About Accessibility and Building for the Older Generation

Abstract

A prerequisite for the development of architecture’s potential to support a safe and independent living of all people is the planning of demographically sustainable buildings. In practice, however, there are currently great obstacles realising buildings for the older generation. An essential starting point for overcoming these difficulties is to improve the education and further training of architects. This interdisciplinary research project MATI: Mensch—Architektur—Technik—Interaktion für demografische Nachhaltigkeit aimed at finding out whether, and where, there are obstacles for architects to implement more demographically sustainable buildings. To evaluate the role of accessibility in the work of the architects the education at the nine leading technical universities in Germany (TU9) was analysed. In addition, architects in practice were asked via an online survey to assess their knowledge of building for older adults and people with disability. Planning of accessible buildings is often underrepresented in the education at the faculties of architecture of the TU9. Although the offered courses, which are dealing with this issue, are very well accepted and attended by students, the universities only partially recognised the importance and potential of the topic. The majority of the architects who participated in the online survey stated that they have a good knowledge about accessible planning. However, accessibility often has a negative connotation for these architects. In summary, it can be stated that the education on the accessibility and design of demographically sustainable buildings needs improvements and should be an integral part of architectural education.