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The Role of Design in Inhibiting or Promoting Use of Common Open Space: The Case of Redwood Gardens, Berkeley, CA

Redwood Gardens is a housing project for the elderly on the Clark Kerr campus affiliated with the University of California at Berkeley. A post occupancy evaluation study done in 1994 indicated that outdoor spaces were not well used, and a follow-up set of interviews and observations over a decade la...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of housing for the elderly 2006-10, Vol.19 (3-4), p.71-93
Main Authors: Cranz, Galen, Young, Charlene
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Redwood Gardens is a housing project for the elderly on the Clark Kerr campus affiliated with the University of California at Berkeley. A post occupancy evaluation study done in 1994 indicated that outdoor spaces were not well used, and a follow-up set of interviews and observations over a decade later in 2005 shows that the spaces are still underutilized, despite being greatly appreciated as an amenity. This paper explores reasons for the under usage, describes the design of the spaces, and makes proposals for improvements in seating and other environmental props that might facilitate both solo and group use of outdoor spaces. Design and policy recommendations are directed both to this immediate site and other such housing sites elsewhere.
ISSN:0276-3893
1540-353X
DOI:10.1300/J081v19n03_05