Design, 'Co-design', and Sunflowers

This is a note on Design, 'Co-design', and by the way who grew the tallest SUNFLOWER in your supported accommodation property this year?

We believe supported housing generally can be better with thoughtful design at not hugely extra cost, rethinking how to create homes that help people feel safe, respected, and at ease. In inspirational pockets in the UK better design is informing a small revolution in housing, and it’s long overdue.

Good developers and good care providers know that ditching the institutional feel is paramount.  Trauma-informed design is about creating spaces that feel calm and supportive (physically and psychologically), especially for people who’ve experienced stress or instability. Simple touches like quiet corners, soft lighting, wide doorways, step-free access, big windows, greenery, and layouts that flow naturally. Design that works for all ages, traumas, and life challenges.

And that fashionable planning phrase ‘co-design’. Well I think it’s not really that complicated….at heart it just means involving residents in what their home will feel and look like right from the start doesn’t it? Asking them what they value most. Whilst recognising the financial strictures developers are up against, there are some choices, and we are trying to make choices that fit tenant’s choices.

And then there’s thinking out of the box.

Sanctuary Supported Living in Birmingham has a flagship initiative, through its Resident Engagement Team, that hosts a gardening competition called "Ready Steady Grow". This competition aims to foster mental wellbeing, encourage interactions, and celebrate the joy of gardening for residents across their supported living services, retirement communities, and technology-enabled living services. The 2024 competition included themes like "Keep Calm," "Love Plants," and "Best Fruit and Veg Patch," with a special category for "Tallest Sunflower".

Reflecting on my latest post. Let’s feel good about ourselves as property developers

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