Development of Universal Design for the Elders’ Quality of Life Improvement in Communities in Thon Buri District, Bangkok

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to develop the universal design for the elders’
quality of life in communities in Thon Buri district, Bangkok. The population in this study
consisted of 1) community leaders including subdistrict presidents and community
presidents or representatives of 44 communities from seven subdistricts in Thon Buri
district, Bangkok, 2) elders in the communities, and 3) experts in the field of elderly
from related organizations and construction experts (architects and engineers). The data
collection instruments were 1) discussion issues, 2) survey form for the development of
universal design for the elders’ quality of life improvement, and 3) evaluation form for
the satisfaction/suitability on the universal design. Data collection and the development
process were as follows: 1) the study of universal design development for the elders
comprised of (1.1) studying related documents and research and (1.2) conducting a focus
group; 2) organizing a workshop on the topic of “Development of Universal Design for
the Elders’ Quality of Life Improvement in Communities in Thon Buri District, Bangkok”
according the following steps: (2.1) clarifying the research project, (2.2) lecturing, (2.3) analyzing
needs, and (2.4) selecting places for the development; 3) coordinating with the landlord;
4) developing universal design for the elders as follows: (4.1) the researchers, architects, including
the community presidents or representatives conducted a fieldwork, (4.2) the researchers                                                                                                                                                                            and architects developed the design and 4.3 the development process was conducted;

and 5) investigating the satisfaction/suitability. For data analysis, quantitative data were
analyzed for frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation using a data analysis
program while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and synthesis method.
The result revealed that the development of universal design for the elders’ quality of
life development comprised of seven steps: 1) lecturing, 2) analyzing needs, 3) evaluating
possibility, 4) asking for permission and coordinating with the landlord, 5) designing,
6) conducting the development process, and 7) evaluating. The results revealed that
the development of the bathrooms was highly needed. The budget, sanitary ware, and
construction materials were supported based on the six principles of universal design:
1) equitable use, 2) simple and intuitive use, 3) perceptible information, 4) tolerance for
error, 5) low physical effort, and 6) size and space for approach. The development process
was conducted in seven subdistricts, which were 1) Wat Kanta Tararam community in Talat
Phlu subdistrict, 2) Taksin Sampan community in Bang Yi Ruea subdistrict, 3) Wat Dao
Khanong community in Dao Khanong subdistrict, 4) Wat Bang Sai Gai community in Hiran
Ruchi subdistrict, 5) Wat Krajab Pinit community in Bukkhalo subdistrict, 6) Wat Bang Num
Chon community in Sum Rae subdistrict, and 7) Wat Buppharam community and Rong
Kram community in Wat Kanlaya subdistrict where the paths were developed. The overall
satisfaction towards the development of universal design was high (x̅ = 4.00).