Designing Sustainable Residential Environments for Aging-in-Place: Conceptual Integration and Operationalization of the EREEM Matrix

Population ageing is creating increasing demand for residential environments that support safety, independence, and well-being for older adults. However, existing design guidelines remain fragmented and often lack measurable spatial indicators applicable in architectural evaluation. This study proposes the Elderly Residential Environment Evaluation Matrix (EREEM), an integrated framework based on six environmental design principles: safety, accessibility, autonomy, privacy, social interaction, and adaptability. An expert survey involving 36 specialists was conducted to evaluate an initial set of 54 spatial indicators, showing high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.978). The indicators were subsequently refined into 24 operational indicators and applied in field assessments of four residential environments in Vietnam. The results confirm the reliability and applicability of the EREEM framework, highlighting safety and accessibility as foundational conditions for age-friendly residential environments. The study provides a systematic evaluation tool bridging environmental gerontology and architectural design, supporting sustainable and age-friendly residential development in ageing societies.