Using Architecture and Technology to Promote Improved Quality of Life for Military Service Members With Traumatic Brain Injury
By Pasquina, Paul F.; Fici Pasquina, Lavinia; Anderson-Barnes, Victoria C.; Giuggio, Jeffrey S.; Cooper, Rory A.; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 207-220Publication Date: February 2010
Article describes the architectural design and development of an assistive living environment for United States Armed Services veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The history of accessible design is outlined, including the development of concepts such as Universal Design, the creation of tools and environments for all users regardless of age and ability; Evidence Based Design, applying sound research to make building project decisions to achieve the best outcome; and “smart homes” with built in automation. Through a collaborative effort between the Catholic University of America, University of Pittsburgh, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and individuals with TBI and their family members, a model living environment for persons with TBI was designed. At the core of this environment is a modular wall system of durable acoustic panels within each of which a radiofrequency identification (RFID) reader is installed. The RFID reader is able to customize music, lighting, PDA systems, appliances, thermostats, and window and door opening systems, and can make walls opaque or transparent on demand to accommodate needs for privacy or ease in wayfinding. Individuals entering or living within the home have an individualized radiofrequency tag that designates their particular needs. Laying each panel in series allows the creation of various floor plans which can be stacked into a residential building, ideally constructed within an urban landscape to facilitate reintegration into society.
Published by: Elsevier Inc. (Website:http://www.elsevier.com)
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J58309
