Students asked to design 'care home of the future'

DWA Architects and the RIBA have launched a competition for architectural students to design a care home of the future.

Students worldwide have been encouraged to enter ‘Caring for Older People’, an international design competition supported by care home operator Bupa Care Services.

Competitors have been asked to take into consideration a number of issues including integrating with the community, improving visitor numbers, conserving energy and creating the best layout for the patient; all of which will improve quality of life for elderly residents.

DWA chief executive, David Ward said: “Forecasts show that the rapidly ageing population in the UK will have a dramatic effect on our society. The number of people aged 85 and over is growing year on year, but there are fewer people able and willing to care for them so the demand for care homes is escalating.”