This project began to look closely at rural health needs of the aging population throughout Hale County. The student studied the health systems in the area and completed home visits to assess architectural needs of geriatric patients.
She completed many small projects including a wheel-chair ramp and re-design of door space for two clients. The largest of these projects was a “warm, dry, room” for an elderly couple, Jab and Essie. Jody assessed their immediate emergency needs and designed and built a multi-purpose large room and a bathroom with wheelchair accessible shower. What is remarkable about Jody’s addition to Jab and Essie’s home is that it is completely accessible from the rest of the house, and yet in the event of the front of the house becoming uninhabitable, they will able to live in the addition.
The Rural Studio has ambitions to futher explore and sustain this project investigation in the future.
