INTtalk: Design for Aging and Beyond with Yutaka Takiura

Design for Humanity is not a choice; it's a requirement. In the "Design for Aging and Beyond" course, Pratt students conducted ongoing research, discussions, and innovation to explore the potential of design to assist people in need. The focus was on exploring new approaches to design equity.

On this International Day of Older Persons, let's commit to strengthen care and support systems that honour the dignity of older persons and caregivers.

- António Guterres, Secretary-General, the United Nations

October 1st is the United Nations International Day of Older Persons

2024 Theme: Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide

In the "Design for Aging and Beyond" course, Pratt students played a pivotal role, conducting ongoing research, discussions, and innovation to explore the potential of design to assist people in need.

It began with a focus on the aging population, but it quickly and organically expanded into a broader discussion and design proposal.

After all, Design for Humanity is not an option; it's a necessity.

Through the course, we didn't just explore design, innovation, entrepreneurship, wellness, and philosophy. We also reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to society, providing a rich and diverse learning experience.

This commitment inspired students to create designs catering to everyone's unique needs, such as mobility aids, health monitoring systems, and social engagement platforms, all tailored to the specific challenges and preferences of older persons, their family members, and beyond.

In this short INTtalk session, let's review what we discussed and think about what we need to consider for our future.

Yutaka Takiura is a Visiting Associate Professor in the Creative Enterprise Leadership Department at the School of Art and the Interior Design Department at the School of Design. He is also a respected faculty member at the Osaka Institute of Technology.

Yutaka is an award-winning architect and Design Director at TD+A New York. 

With extensive industry experience, Yutaka worked at Beckhard Richlan and Associates, a successor firm to Marcel Breuer Associates, following Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. 

He holds Architectural Degrees from Waseda University in Tokyo, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and the University of Pennsylvania. 

Yutaka's influence extends beyond borders. He has published numerous articles and given lectures internationally. His contributions have been recognized with an AIA NYS Presidential Citation and an AIA National Award. He is a co-chair of the AIA New York Design for Risk and Reconstruction Committee and will chair the AIA National Interior Architecture Knowledge Community in 2025.

Yutaka's commitment to social responsibility is unwavering. He has served on the board of directors at Architecture for Humanity, demonstrating his dedication to using design for positive social change. His passion for social innovation and his desire to positively impact society make him a unique and invaluable asset to the architecture and design community.