Second year architecture students were recently awarded by the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll, as the winners were announced of the 2024 Age Friendly Housing Design Competition.
The competition – a collaboration between Cork County Council’s Architects Department, Planning Department and Cork County Age Friendly Programme, in conjunction with Cork Centre for Architectural Education (UCC and MTU) – aims to equip architecture students with practical experience in designing community based, age friendly design with a strong focus on disability awareness. The second-year students were tasked with designing an age friendly housing scheme with an emphasis on lifetime living, security and privacy, while maintaining a high-quality residential amenity.
Mayor Carroll congratulated the finalists, including the overall winner Jurie El-Shenawi Assadi, Chia Jin–En in second place and Deri-Delma Tiendioh in third place. Quinton Kelly and Ellie Tattersall were also highly commended for their projects.
At the prizegiving, chair of Cork County Older People’s Council, Liz Downes from Mitchelstown, said: “Older people want to remain in their homes and if this is not possible, remain in their community. Projects like this are crucial in making this a reality, as they help to design housing that supports older people staying connected to their homes and communities.”
Although the designs were not intended for actual construction, the initiative provided valuable experience for the students. Over the course of the project, students undertook site visits and met with Technical Representatives, Town Planners and Architects from Cork County Council who offered advice and support.
On the day, Mayor Carroll praised the competition as a key initiative to prepare the next generation of architects for the challenges of designing inclusive and accessible homes.
“This initiative demonstrates that working together with our educational partners, we can help shape future developments by putting Age Friendly design in the minds of student architects before they begin their careers. Competitions like this inspire innovation and ensure that future housing can meet the needs of all generations.”
An exhibition showcasing the students work is now open to the public at Cork County Hall, Carrigrohane Road from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday and runs until October 11th.
