Breaking down barriers: Promoting a new look at dementia-friendly design

Abstract

The ageing of the population is proceeding rapidly and the prevalence of people living with dementia is rising. Dementia is a syndrome caused by a variety of diseases and injuries that primarily or secondarily affect the brain. It is characterised by deterioration in cognitive function and therefore influences people's memory, thinking, behaviour and their ability to perform activities of daily living independently. A great number of studies have established a relationship between the built environment and outcomes of people with dementia. However, the importance and potential of this topic are still not fully recognised. In Germany, building regulations rarely depict dementia-friendly design. It is underrepresented in the education of architectural students and existing guidelines often do not cover the full range of design interventions. Further, a one-sided interpretation of design principles resulted in a preconceived image of dementia-friendly design, which often does not meet aesthetical standards or is at risk of stigmatising users. In this literature-based introductory chapter, the authors argue that dementia-friendly design does not need an obviously different look but a sensitive and user-centred design approach instead. To promote the realisation of inspiring and innovative concepts, it will be important to break down current prejudices among architects and to take a step towards an integrated, inclusive understanding of dementia-friendly design.