A changing social structure in Europe requires inclusive, accessible and tailormade living options for everyone
Demographic change characterized by an ageing population and falling birth rates, poses new challenges for the housing industry and neighbourhood planners in Europe. The real estate industry is facing new challenges that take into account the needs of residents in all phases of life. Future residential areas should be accessible, modern and equipped with an appropriate infrastructure.
Demographic change will challenge decision-makers in the housing industry and require them to act accordingly. The planning and construction of barrier-free living spaces requires a deep understanding of the individual needs of different user groups. In particular, people with special protection needs in different phases of life have different needs - young parents, for example, need additional children's rooms and parking spaces for baby carriages. Temporary health conditions, such as a sports accident, can also change housing requirements.
In order to ensure the independence and participation of people with disabilities, living spaces must be designed to meet their needs. However, it is also true that accessibility is mandatory for 10% of the population, necessary for 30 to 40% and a quality and comfort feature for everyone. Carsten Brausch, Dušan Katunský & Jana Katunský show that 32% of respondents consider it very important and 59% consider it important to stay in their own homes for a long time (Neumann 2004). Planners and designers therefore need to create customized forms of housing that are geared towards changing needs. This inclusive planning can give investors a competitive advantage on the housing market and secure long-term revenues. Ultimately, the political will must aim to allow people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible, according to their wishes, and at a reasonable price.
The future of housing construction lies in the development of modular and individually adaptable housing concepts that guarantee user-friendliness for all phases of life. Companies such as Bauen für Menschen
GmbH (BfM), a municipal subsidiary of
LVR and Provinzial, are pioneers in the implementation of such concepts. Their current project, the Bonn-Castell district, serves as a blueprint for accessible planning and underscores the economic viability of this method thanks to high demand.