People are living longer than ever before, and as a result, an aging population is struggling to find a place to live out their golden years. While there are often concerns about healthcare and support, a huge number of factors affect older generations that aren’t always considered. Many in the older generation struggle to adapt to the changes in their lifestyle. They’re unable to do everything they used to, they’re not working or interacting with their community as much, and of course, many will be dealing with the loss of loved ones.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is also being felt, as staff shortages, tighter budgets, and new health and safety restrictions make the supply of suitable retirement housing even smaller.

Portugal is one of the most popular countries in the world for retirement living, having ranked 4th in International Living’s Global Retirement Index for 2022. In addition to great weather and a combination of stunning coasts, countryside, and cities, retirees in Portugal love the country’s friendliness and sense of community.

The Portugal Elderly Home competition is tasking participants with designing a retirement home in central Portugal. It will need to be able to house 60 residents and ten support staff comfortably. It should also include several features including a small library, a gathering room, a chapel, a kitchen, and a dining room, as well as a private area that could function as a nurse’s room and therapy room for psychological support.

By putting accessibility at the forefront of design and creating a space that meets the unique requirements of an aging population of residents, architects and designers have the chance to reinvent accessible architecture.

PRIZES

3 winning proposals, 3 special award recipients, and 6 honorable mentions will be selected. Builder (formerly Bee Breeders) will award a total of 10,000 € in prize money to competition winners as follows:

1st Prize – 4,000 €
2nd Prize – 2,500 €
3rd Prize – 1,000 €

+ 6 honorable mentions

CLIENT’S FAVORITE AWARD – 1,000 €
Builder Student Award – 1000 € + 50 € gift card at ARCHIVE BOOKS
Builder Sustainability Award – 500 €

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

Early Bird Registration: NOVEMBER 15 – DECEMBER 6
Advance Registration: DECEMBER 7 – JANUARY 25
Last Minute Registration: JANUARY 26 – APRIL 19

Final registration deadline: APRIL 19, 2023
Closing date for submission: MAY 31, 2023 (11:59 pm LONDON TIME)
Announcement of the winners: JULY 5, 2023

More: https://architecturecompetitions.com/portugalelderlyhome/