Leader: Erminia Attaianese (UNINA); Other collaborator(s): Mariangela Perillo (UNINA)
The activity is aimed at identifying an interrelated system of technological, environmental and functional-spatial requirements and indicators for the prefiguration of conditions of use of smart, healthy and age-friendly indoor and outdoor environments, in which the organization and management of the living space interacts with the Person and his/her needs through technological supports, including digital solutions.
The set of requirements is functional to the design of usable autonomous living environments able to be integrated with usable ""intelligent"" and shared services for health and socialization, also suitable for offering a response to climatic, pandemic and pollution impacts, guaranteeing full accessibility and safety, focusing healthy aging in a life-course perspective.
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results
The activities of the Task 3.1 include three literature reviews aimed at advancing the SHAFE (Smart, Healthy, Age-friendly, Environments) model within the field of architecture in order to promote the development of living spaces that effectively respond to the evolving needs of individuals throughout their lifespan. The first literature review was conducted on existing environmental design studies concerning the implementation of integrated SHAFE principles in architectural design. The second one examined the role of environmental design in enhancing SHAFE environments that are also fall-proofing. The last one proposed a selection of climate-proofing solutions to be implemented in the realisation of SHAFE environments for the adaptation to the most extreme phenomena occurring in Italy.
In relation to the fall-proofing aspect, a study was conducted to examine factors relevant to fall risk assessment in relation to the built environment. It identified key risk factors associated with the flooring characteristics, physical and technical aspects of environments, functional-spatial layout, technical elements, and furniture. The main outcomes of the study included a short and an extended flyer, featuring a simple checklist that enables older adults to self-assess their homes for fall risks. Additionally, a protocol was developed to guide the identification of factors to consider when assessing slip and trip hazards in indoor environments, with particular focus on the private homes of older adults.
Main policy, industrial and scientific implications
From a policy perspective, the World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of creating age-friendly environments to promote active and healthy ageing, because the growing elderly population, combined with the inadequacy of many existing housing options, presents a significant challenge in ensuring suitable housing that enables older adults to age in place while preserving their autonomy and independence. Therefore, the SHAFE model represents a significative shift toward a life-course approach, emphasizing the design of healthy, accessible, adaptive, and flexible living environments, alongside the provision of digital support solutions (ICT). This dual focus aims to promote autonomy and independence throughout all stages of life.
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results:
The progress of the activities of Task 3.1 focused on a literature review examining the characteristics of the urban built environment that influence quality of the walkability. The results of this review were the development of a GIS-based operational methodology considering a set of selected parameters, enabling the mapping of pedestrian routes tailored to the diverse needs of older adults, and the application of this methodology to a specific case study. Afterwards, a scientific contribute was presented for the participation in the General Meeting of the Age-It Research Program, which analyzes the role of the design of the built environment, indoor and outdoor, in relation to the concept of “ageing in place,” describing its main developments and most established application practices.
In conclusion, a study and the development of cross-cutting integrations are being conducted for a scientific paper on the use case of an older adult patient with multimorbidity proposed by the interdisciplinary team of the Spoke 4, WP3.
Main policy, industrial and scientific implications:
From an architectural perspective, population ageing presents a multifaceted challenge. Within this context, the design of indoor and outdoor living spaces plays a pivotal role, as it provides the physical framework for human activities. Therefore, the development of the SHAFE model can enhance the two primary dimensions of Age-Friendly Environments: People—encompassing aspects such as citizenship, lifelong learning, and social interaction in relation to functional ability—and Places—including homes, built environments, community spaces, and outdoor facilities.
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results:
The activities of the Task 3.1 advanced through a literature review examining the impact of the built environment on mental health and cognitive decline from an urban and architectural planning perspective. This research was conducted for the Sixth International Meeting, “Brain Health and Prevention of Cognitive Decline: Today’s Challenges for a Brighter Tomorrow” organized by the Spoke 8, under the Research Program Age-It. The results underscored that spatial conditions of the built environment—such as complex layouts, proportions, and dimensions of spaces, along with insufficient wayfinding systems or technological features like colours, patterns, and material textures—can significantly affect mental well-being, people's moods and behaviours and may compromise accessibility, particularly for older adults. In conclusion, two studies and the development of cross-cutting contents are being carried out for two scientific papers, proposed by the interdisciplinary team of the Spoke 4, under the Research Program Age-It. The first focused on the use case of a patient with hidradenitis, while the second addressed a patient with hypogonadism and both cross-cutting contents examined the effects of the built environment on these patients.
Main policy, industrial and scientific implications:
From a policy perspective, the scientific implications concern the publication of the Executive Digest “SHAFE approach implementation for digital health solutions” and the publication of the Policy Brief “User Centred Design for Age-Friendly Environments- the NET4Age-Friendly Experience”, as part of Digital Health Uptake (DHU), an EU-funded project under the Digital Europe Programme.
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results:
The activities of the Task 3.1 advanced through a literature review examining the impact of the built environment on mental health and cognitive decline from an urban and architectural planning perspective. This research was conducted for the Sixth International Meeting, “Brain Health and Prevention of Cognitive Decline: Today’s Challenges for a Brighter Tomorrow” organized by the Spoke 8, under the Research Program Age-It. The results underscored that spatial conditions of the built environment—such as complex layouts, proportions, and dimensions of spaces, along with insufficient wayfinding systems or technological features like colours, patterns, and material textures—can significantly affect mental well-being, people's moods and behaviours and may compromise accessibility, particularly for older adults. In conclusion, two studies and the development of cross-cutting contents are being carried out for two scientific papers, proposed by the interdisciplinary team of the Spoke 4, under the Research Program Age-It. The first focused on the use case of a patient with hidradenitis, while the second addressed a patient with hypogonadism and both cross-cutting contents examined the effects of the built environment on these patients.
Main policy, industrial and scientific implications:
From a policy perspective, the scientific implications concern the effort to establish a methodology for collaboration between different disciplinary fields, in line with the EU's health priorities of enhancing quality, innovation, and sustainability in the implementation of improved health and care systems. This approach also aligns with the objectives of the Programme and the Communication on the Digital Transformation of Health and Care.
In this context, interdisciplinary cross-cutting research is being conducted, aimed at incorporating the impact of living environments on individuals' well-being throughout their lives, recognising the extent to which these environments can either improve or worsen their conditions.
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results:
The activities of Task 3.1 have progressed through several research initiatives.
Firstly, a literature review was conducted to examine the relationship between green spaces and psychophysical well-being in outdoor environments, with particular attention to vulnerable populations. The role of urban green design as a tool for health promotion was explored. Based on the need to meet special needs, a framework of criteria and strategies for designing healthy and accessible green spaces was proposed, aimed at improving the livability of urban areas for all residents and contributing to the development of truly inclusive communities. This research was carried out for the conference and call for papers “Arbosfera: Rethinking Urban Space through the Forest”, curated by the UniNA Research Unit as part of the PNRR National Project “The Right Tree in the Right Town: Urban Forestry for People, in Naples and Palermo.”
A further contribution under Task 3.1 is a study aimed at exploring the concept of intelligent public space in relation to civic inclusion, with particular attention to older adults and from a life-course perspective. This objective will be pursued through an extensive review of existing literature and the analysis of case studies to identify the most relevant and recurring technologies and to better understand their function within the urban environment.
Main policy, industrial and scientific implications:
From a policy standpoint, the scientific relevance of this work lies in its contribution to developing a collaborative methodology that bridges multiple disciplinary domains. This is consistent with the European Union’s strategic priorities for enhancing quality, innovation, and sustainability in health and care systems. Furthermore, it supports the goals set forth in the Programme and the EU Communication on the Digital Transformation of Health and Care. Within this framework, the research adopts an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral approach that integrates the influence of living environments on individuals’ well-being across the life course, acknowledging the significant role such environments play in either supporting or undermining health outcomes over time.
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results:
The research activities conducted within Task 3.1 focused on the development and dissemination of scientific contributions examining the interrelationships between the built environment, population ageing, and health from a life-course and interdisciplinary perspective.
A first output is the conference paper “Smart-Inclusive Urbanery. Health and Digital Integration in Urban Design from a Lifecourse Perspective”, submitted to the International Conference “Streets for People. Individuals in Outdoor Environments: Projects, Practices and Research for Psychophysical Well-being”, to be held at Palazzo Badoer, Università Iuav di Venezia (Italy). This contribution explored the concept of smart public space through a social inclusion lens, with particular attention to older adults, analysing how urban design strategies and digital technologies may be integrated to enhance accessibility, safety, autonomy, and psychophysical well-being in urban contexts.
A second research output is the book chapter “Designing for Longevity: Intersectoral Approaches for Healthy Ageing Through the Built Environment”, for the volume entitled “Building Innovation in Ageing and Health Policy: Interdisciplinary Management Mechanisms and Strategies” (eds. A. Ricciardelli & L. Mercurio, Springer). The chapter conceptualised the built environment as a key social determinant of health, adopting a life-course perspective and highlighting the need for structured intersectoral collaboration across architecture, urban planning, and public health. It proposed conceptual and governance-oriented frameworks aimed at systematically embedding health considerations into the design and management of living environments, with particular emphasis on population ageing and health equity.
A further output is an original research article developed in collaboration with the Age-IT research group, entitled “Digital Interventions Addressing the Unmet Needs of Older Adults with Multimorbidity: A Mixed-Methods Persona Design Approach”, submitted to Frontiers in Public Health”.
In addition to these publications, the research activities included active participation in the AGE-IT Conference “One Health: Synergies between Disciplines and Organisations for Successful Ageing”. Within this framework, Task 3.1 contributed to a roundtable discussion addressing the role of architecture and the built environment in promoting health and well-being across the life course, with a focus on health-oriented design, interdisciplinary dialogue, and co-design approaches.
Finally, a long abstract was submitted to the Second General Meeting of the AGE-IT Project, to be held in Naples (Italy) at the University of Naples Federico II and Hotel Royal Continental. This contribution synthesises the main research objectives, methodological approaches, and overarching findings of the Task 3.1 activities.
Main policy, industrial and scientific implications:
From a scientific perspective, the research contributes to advancing interdisciplinary knowledge at the intersection of architecture, urban design, public health, and digital innovation, reinforcing the relevance of a life-course approach to population ageing and the built environment. The findings support the need for integrated, person-centred frameworks that bridge traditionally separate domains, fostering dialogue between architecture disciplines and health-oriented studies. From a policy standpoint, the work aligns with European and national strategies on active and healthy ageing, digital inclusion, and age-friendly environments, providing conceptual and evidence-based insights that may inform urban, housing, and health-related policies within the AGE-IT framework. Moreover, the research highlights implications for the industrial and technological sectors, particularly in relation to the development and application of smart solutions, digital tools, and design methodologies aimed at enhancing accessibility, safety, and quality of life for older adults
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results:
The research activities conducted within Task 3.1 focused on the development of a systematic and critical investigation of neuroscientific approaches applied to architecture, with the aim of clarifying how the built environment influences human performance, behaviour, and well-being. These activities led to the preparation and submission of a peer-reviewed systematic review article to the Special Issue of Buildings entitled “Human-Centric Architectural Design: Neuroarchitecture as a New Tool to Shape Futureproof Inclusive Buildings.” The manuscript examined the conceptual foundations of neuroarchitecture, its theoretical roots within person–environment theories, and its current interpretations within the academic debate. Through a structured literature review conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, the study analysed recent international scientific contributions to identify key research domains, measurement techniques, and contexts of application in neuroarchitecture research.
Main policy, industrial and scientific implications:
From a scientific perspective, this research contributes to consolidating neuroarchitecture as an emerging interdisciplinary field at the intersection of architecture, neuroscience, environmental psychology, and cognitive sciences. By systematizing existing evidence and critically assessing its robustness, the study may contribute to advancing the understanding of how architectural environments can be intentionally designed to enhance human performance and well-being. The findings highlight the need for greater methodological rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the inclusion of diverse user groups, particularly older adults, to support the future translation of neuroscientific evidence into life-course-oriented design knowledge.
From a policy and industrial standpoint, the results suggest potential relevance for informing health-oriented building standards, design guidelines, and innovation in the construction and real estate sectors. The identification of design criteria linked to cognitive, emotional, and physiological outcomes may support the development of environments that promote well-being, recovery, and quality of life, in line with European strategies on healthy ageing, sustainability, and human-centered innovation. At the same time, the study underscores the importance of avoiding prescriptive interpretations of neuroarchitecture, emphasizing its role as a conceptual and evidence-informed framework to guide inclusive and context-sensitive design processes.
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results:
The research activities carried out within Task 3.1 included the submission of the manuscript “Urban Design across the Life Course: Towards Longevity-Enabling Environments”, which investigates how urban design can support health, autonomy, and well-being across different stages of the life course. The paper consolidates theoretical and operational perspectives on age-friendly and longevity-oriented urban environments, drawing on international policy frameworks, design standards, and empirical evidence. Particular attention is given to the role of ergonomics and human factors in integrating accessibility, usability, environmental quality, and emerging domains such as smart urban technologies and urban green and blue infrastructure, with the aim of advancing more adaptive and inclusive urban design paradigms.
In parallel, the research activities included participation in the Second General Meeting of the AGE-IT Project in Naples (Italy) at University of Naples Federico II and Hotel Royal Continental, during which the built environment was discussed as a multilevel determinant of health within a person-centered and life-course perspective. The contribution, delivered in the context of a scientific session emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue between built environment disciplines, biomedical sciences, and psychosocial expertise, as well as the relevance of SHAFE-oriented approaches for integrating physical, social, and digital dimensions of living environments.
Furthermore, Task 3.1 activities involved the collaboration with the Age-it research group for the submission of a Methods Article entitled “Developing a Persona-Driven, mHealth-Enabled Care Model for Young Men with Hypogonadism”. This study presents a methodological framework combining Blueprint Persona modelling and multidisciplinary co-design to translate clinical, psychosocial, and behavioural insights into a digitally supported, patient-centred care pathway, addressing early risk stratification, self-management, and long-term prevention.
Main policy, industrial and scientific implications:
From a scientific perspective, these activities contribute to strengthening interdisciplinary approaches that connect urban design, ergonomics, public health, and digital health within a life-course framework. The submission on urban design advances the conceptualisation of longevity-enabling environments by highlighting the need for integrative frameworks capable of linking environmental performance, experiential quality, and health outcomes across different life stages. At the same time, the methods-based mHealth study illustrates how persona-driven and co-design methodologies may support the development of tailored digital health interventions, particularly for conditions that are currently under-recognised within traditional care pathways. Together, these contributions support the advancement of person-centred and evidence-informed research agendas aligned with active and healthy ageing objectives.
From a policy and industrial standpoint, the activities suggest potential relevance for informing urban, health, and innovation policies oriented toward prevention, inclusion, and long-term well-being. The urban design research may support policymakers and practitioners in translating international age-friendly and life-course principles into more coherent and operational design strategies, while the mHealth framework highlights opportunities for digital innovation in preventive and personalised care models. Moreover, participation in the AGE-IT General Meeting reinforced the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration and knowledge exchange in addressing complex demographic and health-related challenges. Overall, these activities align with European and national priorities on healthy ageing, digital transformation, and human-centred innovation, contributing to the broader objectives of the AGE-IT programme.
Journal articles:
Attaianese, E., & Perillo, M. (2024). SHAFE environments climate-proof. Trajectories for living space design in a changing climate. Officina, 44, 20–29
Attaianese, E., & Di Dario, Y. (2024). Beyond accessibility: Universal design for healthy and inclusive public space. SMC, 20, pp. 34–40
Attaianese, E., Barilà, M., & Perillo, M. (2025). Exploring neuroscientific approaches to architecture: Design strategies of the built environment for improving human performance. Buildings, 15, 3524. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15193524
De Luca, V., Virgolesi, M., Cuomo, A., Lemmo, D., Perillo, M., Canfora, F., Aprano, S., Mezza, F., Vetrani, C., Freda, M. F., Adamo, D., Rea, T., Mercurio, L., Attaianese, E., Menditto, E., Colao, A., Iaccarino, G., & Illario, M. (2025). Digital interventions addressing the unmet needs of older adults with multimorbidity: A mixed-methods persona design approach. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1637748. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1637748
Garifalos, F., Menafra, D., De Angelis, C., Larocca, A., Aprano, S., Virgolesi, M., De Luca, V., Rea, T., Attaianese, E., Perillo, M., Lemmo, D., Freda, M. F., Iaccarino, G., Illario, M., Colao, A., & Pivonello, R. (2025) (in press). mHealth-enabled, persona-centered care for young men with hypogonadism: Early risk stratification and prevention within a chronic disease management framework. Frontiers in Public Health
Perillo, M., Nijkamp, J., & Attaianese, E. (2025). Urban design across the life course: Towards longevity-enabling environments. Unpublished manuscript, under review for the special issue “Ergonomics and Design for All: Enhancing Inclusion through Human-Centered Design” of the Italian Journal of Ergonomics
Conference papers:
Attaianese, E., & Barilà, M. (2023). Inclusive mental wellbeing through environmental design. In Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Environmental Design (ICED2023) (E3S Web of Conferences, Vol. 436). EDP Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202343606005
Attaianese, E., & Perillo, M. (2023). Environmental design for SHAFE approach. In Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Environmental Design (ICED2023) (E3S Web of Conferences, Vol. 436). EDP Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202343612005
Attaianese, E., & Perillo, M. (2023). Prevention through design for SHAFE environments fall-proofing. In Species of spaces. Fostering psycho-physical well-being by design, pp. 82–9. Anteferma Edizioni
Attaianese, E., Barilà M., Perillo, M., De Pascale, D., Di Dario Y. (2023) Applicazione di strumenti GIS-Based per la qualità del camminare. In Cardone, B., De Martino, F., Miraglia, V. GIS DAY 2023. Il GIS per il governo e la gestione del territorio. Aracne, Roma, ISBN 979-12- 218 - 1608-2; pp. 79-113
Attaianese, E., Barilà, M., Di Dario, Y., Perillo, M. (2024) (in press). Healthy Greenery: Verde urbano, salute, fragilità e strategie di intervento. Convegno “Arbosfera: ripensare lo spazio urbano attraverso la foresta”, Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II
Perillo, M. (2025). Smart-inclusive urbanery: Health and digital integration in urban design from a lifecourse perspective. In Streets for people. Individuals in outdoor environments: projects, practices and research for the psychophysical well-being, pp. 152–159. Anteferma Edizioni
Attaianese, E., & Barilà, M. (2025). Neuro-inclusive cities: Strategie di progettazione per l’accessibilità cognitiva e sensoriale. In Streets for people. Individuals in outdoor environments: projects, practices and research for the psychophysical well-being, pp. 192–199. Anteferma Edizioni
Conference posters:
Attaianese, E., Perillo, M., Di Dario, Y., Barilà, M., De Pascale, D., Illario, M. (2024). Brain Health and Environmental Design Implications Of Living Spaces, Sixth International Meeting “Brain Health and prevention of cognitive decline: Today’s challenges for a brighter Tomorrow”, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, 23-25 October 2024
De Luca, V., Virgolesi, M., Cuomo, A., Lemmo, D., Perillo, M., Mercurio, L., Attaianese, E., Menditto, E., Colao, A., Iaccarino, G., Illario, M. (2025). A Persona approach for the user-centred design of IT-enabled health and social care services”, Second General Meeting Age-It, University of Naples Federico II & Hotel Royal Continental, Naples (Italy), 29-31 October 2025
Garifalos, F., Menafra, D., de Angelis, C., Larocca, A., Virgolesi, M., Aprano, S., De Luca, V., Attaianese, E., Perillo, M., Lemmo, D., Freda, M. F., Iaccarino, G., Illario, M., Colao, A., Pivonello, R. (2025). Innovative intervention supported by digital technologies for healthy and active ageing: Innovative approach to the subject with hypogonadism”, Second General Meeting Age-It, University of Naples Federico II & Hotel Royal Continental, Naples (Italy), 29-31 October 2025
Book chapters:
Attaianese, E. (2024) Obiettivi human-environment-centered per una lifetime home. In Losasso, M., ATTAIANESE, E., Rigillo, M. Innovazioni convergenti per lo spazio abitabile. CLEAN, Napoli ISBN 978-88-8497-986-5 157-165
Attaianese, E., & Illario, M. (2025) (in press). Il progetto human–environment-centred per l’abitare emergente in ottica life-course. In M. Losasso & R. Romano (Eds.), Progettazione ambientale, sfide globali, scenari di ricerca. Maggioli
Perillo, M., Attaianese, E., & Illario, M. (2026). Designing for longevity: Intersectoral approach for healthy ageing through the built environment. In A. Ricciardelli & L. Mercurio (Eds.), Building innovation in ageing and health policy. Interdisciplinary management mechanisms and strategies (pp. 185–209). Springer Nature.
Scala, A., Virgolesi, M., Palomba, A., Picone, A., Bianco, A., Cuomo, A., Attaianese, E., Perillo, M., De Luca, V., Aprano, S., Mastantuoni, E., Russo Spena, T., Garifalos, F., Menafra, D., Lemmo, D., Mezza, F., Mercurio, L., & Illario, M. (2026). A multimodal data collection approach in a health promotion event: The Futuro Remoto living lab experience. In A. Ricciardelli & L. Mercurio (Eds.), Building innovation in ageing and health policy. Interdisciplinary management mechanisms and strategies (pp. 49–55). Springer Nature.
Attaianese, E., Di Dario, Y., & Perillo, M. (in press). Age-friendly energy framework: Comportamenti, comfort e usabilità. In Building retrofit per la transizione energetica dell’edilizia residenziale: Modelli di progressive upgrade per interventi low tech, low cost, short time, easy to use, smart building and communities
Conference abstracts:
Attaianese, E., Perillo, M. (2024). Beyond Ageing: Il ruolo dell’ambiente costruito in una prospettiva life-course, General Meeting Age-It, Economic Campus “San Giobbe”, Ca’ Foscari University, Venice (Italy), 20-22 May 2024
Attaianese, E., Perillo, M. (2025). The built environment in the multilevel person-centered design approach. Housing as a tool for health promotion in the life-course perspective, Second General Meeting Age-It, University of Naples Federico II & Hotel Royal Continental, Naples (Italy), 29-31 October 2025
De Luca, V., Virgolesi, M., Cuomo, A., Lemmo, D., Perillo, M., Mercurio, L., Attaianese, E., Menditto, E., Colao, A., Iaccarino, G., Illario, M. (2025). A Persona approach for the user-centred design of IT-enabled health and social care services”, Second General Meeting Age-It, University of Naples Federico II & Hotel Royal Continental, Naples (Italy), 29-31 October 2025
Garifalos, F., Menafra, D., de Angelis, C., Larocca, A., Virgolesi, M., Aprano, S., De Luca, V., Attaianese, E., Perillo, M., Lemmo, D., Freda, M. F., Iaccarino, G., Illario, M., Colao, A., Pivonello, R. (2025). Innovative intervention supported by digital technologies for healthy and active ageing: Innovative approach to the subject with hypogonadism”, Second General Meeting Age-It, University of Naples Federico II & Hotel Royal Continental, Naples (Italy), 29-31 October 2025
Laymen summaries:
Production of an informational leaflet & flyer for older adults on the risk of falls in the home environment
APP Prototipe development:
Activity period: June–October 2025
The CA.MI.S. app's primary goal is to combine medical prescriptions with walking routes to support people's health and well-being. When the AFA medical team recommends walking for medical purposes, the app supports users in completing the prescribed walks by suggesting the most suitable route in the geolocalized area, based on health conditions and location, and by providing feedback on walking features, including potential difficulties and amenities. The app also tracks and stores users' progress and reports it to the doctor.