Fantasy and reality : design for dementia

Abstract

The subject of this thesis is the medical condition of dementia in its relation to the architecture of care facilities. The world’s population is increasing and with this comes an increase in the proportion of elderly people, and in age-related degenerative diseases. The question of how to accommodate the elderly and frail has become increasingly important in all societies. This project examines the nature of the disease and the way in which occupational therapy and treatment theory has influenced the design of dementia facilities. The process of exploration considers ways in which elements of theory can be integrated into design to create an environment that mitigates disorientations in time and place, and that reduces the personal impacts of dementia.

The selection of a suitable site has been influenced by the ideas of a type of therapy known as Reality Orientation (RO), and by the importance in current theory of maintaining a relationship between dementia sufferers and their social context. Consequently the architectural focus of the thesis question has been developed to engage with a design programme that proposes the integration of a care facility for dementia patients in an urban location. Proposed site: Mount Eden Valley section of Dominion Road, Auckland, bound by Valley Road, Dominion Road and Carrick Place.