As our population ages and the numbers of those living with dementia increases, how can we, as architects and designers, integrate the needs of all within the environments we create—especially churches?
Dementia is a syndrome, usually of a chronic or progressive nature, which affects memory, thinking, behavior and impedes the ability to perform everyday activities. Currently, there are over 46.8 million people afflicted, with a projection that will exceed 75 million by 2030. It is an overwhelming illness, for the person suffering with dementia and for their caregivers and families.
As architects and designers entrusted with public health, safety, and welfare, it is essential we create awareness through the environments we shape.
We first need to understand that dementia is not a normal part of aging. As architects and designers entrusted with public health, safety, and welfare, it is essential we create awareness through the environments we shape. The definition of age-friendly and dementia-friendly communities varies, but common to all is an emphasis on social dimensions over the medical ones.
In the absence of a cure, design can help keep those with dementia more active, involved, and of value.
Here are some important considerations to guide design efforts:
1-Adults with dementia often lose their way.
Within our public spaces, clear signage and wide, distinct “paths” can help compensate for declining navigation ability. Older users in general are slower in learning routes and their way around large spaces. Information processing also declines with age, so when possible, add landmarks more than turns and intersections (i.e., a particular work of art on a distinctive colored entry may highlight an entrance-way).
2-Those with dementia are easily distracted.
Some design aspects, such as patterned floors and large spaces (often a cause of echoes and disturbances), may be hard to avoid. Minimize noise and distractions. Remove visual clutter and stimulation. Make sure the environment is well lit, so as to avoid shadows, which can become confusing.
3-Dementia sufferers find reflective surfaces and glare confusing.
Shiny floors may look like water. Mirrors may be disconcerting when an adult with dementia suddenly sees a reflection. This may be hard to avoid within certain public spaces, but understanding potential triggers will be helpful when designing for all users.
4-Older adults and those with dementia need up to three times as much contrast to locate objects than younger people.
Too many neutral shades in a room can be disorienting. Mix up the color palettes, combining light and dark, keeping in mind that warm tones are seen more easily. Avoid using wall colors that are similar to the furnishings or objects in the foreground, as this makes them nearly invisible to an adult with dementia.
5-Those with dementia may suffer from Sundown Syndrome.
A common side effect of dementia and Alzheimer’s, Sundown Syndrome is characterized by confusion and agitation after the sun sets. It is known that even healthy people are often affected by late afternoon mood swings and by the end of the day, tiredness sets in. Since the minds of those with dementia are not functioning normally, their symptoms are worse. Ensure that spaces are well lit during the late afternoon and evening to help combat this syndrome.
Designing for dementia may be considered design for all, in many environments. Universal Design aims to provide inclusivity for those of all ages, sizes, abilities, and disabilities. The conditions that help support those with dementia—a calm, coherent, orienting, welcoming, and gently stimulating environment—may just be good for all of us. In the absence of a cure, design can help keep those with dementia more active, involved, and of value.
Kudos to this care facility (The Robert Harvey House High Street) in Birmingham, England, for creating a sensory street filled with stimulation for dementia patients. It serves as a good example of how all design typologies might become more accessible and be inclusive of experiences for aging adults, too.
Find resources here:
Alzheimer's Disease International: The Global Voice on Dementia
AARP: Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities
World Health Organization: Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities
