Exploring the benefits and design of outdoor spaces in dementia day care facilities

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the relationship between dementia and architecture, embracing the outdoor environment as the central focus. Firstly, the crucial characteristics which demarcate an outdoor space as ideal within the context of this study, were extracted from the relevant literature. The understanding and subsequent application of these thematic aspects allowed for a thorough investigation of the interplay between architectural design and the engagement of users. The implemented methodology involved a qualitative study of two local dementia day care centres. The collection of data involved the observation of users’ movements in both the indoor and outdoor setting. Throughout the observation periods, journal entries of specific behavioural instances which occurred were recorded. The compiled information was substantiated by an environmental evaluation of the outdoor spaces and focused interviews with the nurses in charge of each facility. Such an approach enabled through firsthand experience, the understanding of the natural environments of the spaces and the identification of supportive and unsupportive features. The analysed results explicitly expose enabling and restrictive affordances in both spaces. A thematic discussion of the results followed suit, highlighting two main behaviours which should be better supported: walking and engagement. The results conclude with a discussion and recommendations on potential existing features which can be altered to make the outdoor spaces approach the ideal outdoor environment. To conclude, this research study clearly indicates that both outdoor spaces require tangible amendments to become spaces which enable lived experiences. Additionally, it unequivocally reveals the importance of comprehending the relationship between architecture and dementia when designing for specific users. Architecture has the capability to create spaces which provoke independence and empowerment among persons living with dementia, and this study manifests this as the sole aim when designing such spaces.