Designing age-inclusive housing
for 1001 Vies Habitat
ethnology – mediation – facilitation – illustration – information design – photography
Co-creating a senior housing policy
rooted in real-life experiences
Date
– 2020
Client
– 1001 Vies Habitat
Role
– ethnographic research
– illustration
– mediation
– facilitation
– photography
As France’s population continues to age, the demand for housing and services that support seniors in maintaining autonomy and well-being at home is rapidly evolving. In response, social housing provider 1001 Vies Habitat initiated a strategic transformation: to integrate the specific needs of elderly residents into every stage of housing renovation, construction, and daily operations.
To support this mission, we designed and facilitated a 15-day Living Lab, placing seniors and their lived experiences at the core of the design process. Alongside ethnologist Léa Ahmed, we conducted in-depth home immersions, following the everyday lives of ten senior residents across three households. Through direct observation, semi-structured interviews, and participatory co-design sessions, we captured a rich understanding of individual needs, routines, and aspirations.
This ethnographic research led to the creation of a clear and actionable roadmap for 1001 Vies Habitat, anchored in real-life insights and aligned with the organization’s operational ambitions. We developed and tested early-stage prototypes within actual living environments, allowing us to validate ideas in context and refine them with residents’ input.
Information design and visual storytelling played a key role throughout the project. We created custom illustrations, mediation tools, and documentation visuals to bring the findings to life, ensuring accessibility and emotional resonance. Photography sessions with participating residents helped humanize the data and showcase the diversity of lifestyles and spatial adaptations among seniors. These images and audio testimonies were later featured in feedback sessions with internal teams, fostering empathy and deepening organizational awareness.
