Downsizing to the City

Why: Downsizing to an apartment is often called for in policy as a way of releasing existing supply, and has been accelerating as a trend as people discover the benefits of living in better serviced areas and environments.  

What: This project focused on the experience of older adults moving from a suburban home to an apartment in the CBD of Adelaide. We used a multi-stage asynchronous workbook process with residents of a recently completed apartment development, using a value focused design framework to explore their priorities when making decisions, and to capture the advice they would give to others considering this type of move. We developed insights about the design of specific apartments, as well as recommendations for how local governments can support successful downsizing to apartment developments.