Construction BUSINESS

Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal Damien English launched the 2017 Homes for Smart Ageing Universal Design Challenge on Tuesday. An initiative under the Rebuilding Ireland programme, the challenge aims to stimulate and encourage the design and construction of housing solutions for older people. The RIAI are in partnership in this competition with Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD), Dublin City Council, The Construction Industry Federation (CIF), and Enterprise Ireland.

Speaking at the launch, Minister English commented on the ageing of Ireland’s population as representing one of the most significant demographic and societal developments in the years ahead. “With the number of people over the age of 65 expected to reach 1.4 million by 2041, the implications for public policy in areas such as housing, health and urban and rural planning are considerable. This challenge is aimed at harnessing novel and innovative ideas that will improve the quality of life for older persons, in the context of Rebuilding Ireland and the Programme of Actions for Smart Ageing.”

While primarily of interest to designers, the competition is open to all. €100,000 worth of prizes is on offer, with five €10,000 awards for commended entries after Round 1 and the grand prize of €50,000 for the ultimate winner. The winning idea would be expected to make a significant impact on Irish society, using universal design principles to create products, services, solutions, and systems to improve the quality of life for older persons in Ireland and ultimately all of us.

“To borrow a phrase, we want to inspire people to think differently,” said Chief Officer of the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design Ger Craddock. “An expanding, ageing population, is a growing global challenge, but one that can be tackled through new and innovative thinking. We expect the talent in Ireland to demonstrate how simple ideas can change people’s lives and benefit society as a whole.”

Ideas must be submitted by the deadline of 12:00 noon on 13th March 2017. To qualify, entries will be screened for eligibility and completeness against the Entry Requirements.

Qualifying ideas will be scored by a Judging Panel against the Round 1 Evaluation Criteria.

A maximum of 5 No. ideas will be commended for progression to Round 2. These Commended Ideas will be announced on 3rd April 2017 and the commended entrants will be awarded €10,000 each. General advice about protecting their idea will be offered to the Commended Entrants.

In preparation for Round 2, commended entrants will be required to develop their ideas further. Such development may involve market research, testing, trialling, prototyping etc. to help build substantive proof that the principles of Universal Design have been considered and that the idea is feasible, cost effective and has the potential for mainstreaming.

Round 2 Entries must be submitted by 12:00 noon on 12th June 2017 and will be scored by the Judging Panel against the Round 2 Evaluation Criteria.

Round 2 Entrants will also be required to make an in-person presentation to the Judging Panel. These presentations will take place in Dublin, during the week beginning 19th June 2017.

The Winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in Dublin on 28th June 2017 and awarded a prize of €50,000. The Winner may be invited to participate in further promotional activities on Smart Ageing.

Find the HSAUDC Entry Form, Terms and Conditions and other Useful Information at: www.HomesforSmartAgeing-UD.com