Comparative review of elderly housing design patterns to achieve thermal and psychological comfort
Subject Areas : City architectAzita Tahmasebi 1 , Rima Fayyaz 2 , Ahmad Delbari 3 , Seyed Ali Nori 4 , Maryam Ghasemi 5
1 - Department of Art and Architecture, NT.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 - Department of Architecture Technology, Iran University of Art, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding author)*
3 - Department of Aging, University of Rehabilitation Sciences and Social Health, Tehran, Iran
4 - Department of Architecture, NT.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
5 - Department of Architecture, IS.C, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Keywords: Thermal comfort, Psychological comfort, Elderly housing design, Comparative review, Climate-responsive design, Psychological security.,
Abstract :
primary objective of this research is to identify and analyze the most prominent international elderly housing design models, with a particular emphasis on the key components influencing thermal and psychological comfort, and to evaluate their adaptability within the climatic, cultural and social context of Iran. What are the core components contributing to the success of these models? And how can such approaches be localized to align with the Iranian context? To address these questions, a systematic literature review combined with a comparative analysis was conducted. A structured search of major academic databases—including Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed—resulted in the selection of 30 studies based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Extracted data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis and comparative synthesis. The findings highlight four dominant design models: co-housing, senior living communities, smart homes, and mixed-use urban living. These models most frequently addressed issues of thermal and psychological comfort. Key contributing components included: optimized thermal regulation and natural ventilation, use of climate-adaptive building materials, adequate access to daylight, connection with green spaces and nature, psychological safety, and the enhancement of place attachment. However, the effectiveness and acceptance of these models are contingent upon cultural norms, economic conditions, and available technological infrastructure. A thoughtful integration of environmental interventions and advanced technologies, combined with attention to psychosocial dimensions, can significantly improve the thermal and psychological comfort of the elderly
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