Can't we talk about something more pleasant? ...like building codes?

Borrowing a line from New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast’s best-selling graphic novel about aging seems as applicable to building codes as it is to aging parents.

This month Jim Warner FAIA, founding partner of JSA Inc. Architects, joins the Design for Aging Committee for a discussion about the pending adoption of the 2015 IBC in the Massachusetts Building Code and the significant effect it will have on assisted living construction in Massachusetts.

Assisted Living emerged as a unique building model in the mid-1980s. Neither a nursing home nor a simple apartment, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) wrestled with its use, resulting in regulatory inconsistencies throughout the country. Assisted living designations currently vary among state building codes, ranging from residential to institutional occupancy use groups.

Providers, developers, operators, architects, code officials and AHJs alike need to become familiar with the new code as it will become law by the end of this year. Under the 2015 IBC the vast majority of senior living projects should fall neatly into either R-2 or I-1 Condition 2. But there is much confusion and a need for global clarification.

In preparation for a lively discussion we ask that attendees follow the link to Jim Warner’s excellent white paper on the topic and come with your questions and comments.

For those who qualify, 1.5 LU/HSWs are available.

To learn more about the Design for Aging Committee, visit architects.org/committees/design-aging-committee

Click Register to attend.