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April 12, 2026AIANY Design for Aging Committee Meeting | March 26, 2026
![Image Courtesy of AIANY DFA]()
Image Courtesy of AIANY DFA![Image Courtesy of AIANY DFA]()
Image Courtesy of AIANY DFA![Image Courtesy of AIANY DFA]()
Image Courtesy of AIANY DFAThe Design for Aging Committee March meeting was delighted to have Elisa Feng who presented her research “The Architecture of Dignity: Solving the Care Crisis Through Design & Technology”, which examines the challenges of aging in New York City. Her talk offered valuable insights, encouraging us to move beyond standard discussions of ADA compliance and instead confront the systemic shortcomings of our current care infrastructure.
Focusing on New York’s unique density and housing typologies, the presentation explored key “friction points” in existing conditions—from pre-war walk-ups to the psychological resistance toward institutional aesthetics. It concluded with a forward-looking vision for a collaborative care infrastructure, where architecture, AI, and robotics intersect. Elisa highlighted the potential for architects to design “phygital” (physical + digital) environments that foster seamless collaboration between human caregivers and machine support—ultimately restoring peace of mind to families and dignity to residents.
Here is the recording of the meeting. Elisa Feng is a product builder working at the intersection of space and human well-being. Explore her Age Anywhere project, a learn-in-public weekly journal investigating how better aging infrastructure can be built through physical spaces, technology, culture, and everyday routines.
Coming up:
- April 23: Paul Beyer from the New York Department of State will be presenting NYS Master Plan for Aging.
- Spring field trips: We’ll be visiting Assistance with Elegance Showroom in May, and a WSFSSH Senior Building in Upper West Side (time/date TBD).
Design for Aging
The AIA New York Design for Aging Committee is dedicated to the needs of the aging population in an urban environment. We explore design issues, develop universal design recommendations, increase public awareness, and educate professionals in various fields, to create a more age-friendly city. We are committed to diversity in all issues, ensuring a profession capable of reaching into constituencies previously underserved and giving agency to issues of inclusion and representation. Please join us as we explore a wider range of options that promote diversity, and have a stronger influence on projects and programs in NYC and beyond.
