In order to promote the Institute’s research results on the elderly home environment, the Architecture and Building Research Institute (ABRI), Ministry of Interior (MOI) participated in the “2023 AT Life Taiwan Assistive Technology and Long-term Care Exhibition” (AT Life) held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from May 4 to 7, 2023. The organizers specially invited Vice President Lai to attend the exhibition.
The booth set up by ABRI, MOI is laid out through signboards showcasing five research results that have been studied over recent years. Topics covered include the development of non-slip coefficient of friction for building floor tiles, suggestions on the regulations for the width of stairway entry/exit to the emergency shelter, earthquake disaster prevention measures for elderly homes, seismic design reinforcement for old houses in old streets, and design guidelines for elderly care in smart homes. The highlights of the research summary are as follows:
1.Development of non-slip coefficients for building floor tiles: Help stipulate the “Guiding Principle of Anti-Slip Coefficient or Grade for Building Floor Tiles”. Suggest that buildings or places of use should set up warning signs on site when the surface of floor tiles is slippery or oiled, posing users with the risk of slipping.
2.Suggestion on the regulations for the width of stairway entry/exit to the emergency shelter: through computer simulation experiments, it is proposed to install an elevator, reduce the width of the stairway entry/exit to the emergency shelter from 120 cm to 75 cm, and amend Article 55 of the Building Design and Construction Part of the Building Technical Regulations.
3.Earthquake disaster prevention measures for elderly homes: Provide help in comprehensive seismic safety control, publish a reference manual for the protection of the elderly, take the initiative in early preventive measures for seismic safety to make the home environment safe and comfortable.
4.Seismic design reinforcement for old houses in old streets: Propose seismic design methods for store-like houses along streets and strength calculation methods for open walls, and provide five design solutions for weak floors on the first floor and seismic evaluation procedures for effects caused by steel corrosion and wall opening.
5.Design guidelines for elderly care in smart homes: In response to the rise of smart home technology and the demographic trend of population aging, design guidelines are published to assist architects, interior designers, and other practitioners in planning and designing a smart home that meets the needs of elderly care.
A total of 27 research reports and manuals were displayed at the booth, and a QR code link was provided for visitors to find out about the Ministry’s research results on the elderly home environment. A total of around 109,256 visitors came to the exhibition, and 9,200 visitors came to the ABRI booth. 980 visitors who inquired about consultation services were assisted on site. The exhibition was successful.