Dementia-Friendly Design: A Set of Design Criteria and Design Typologies Supporting Wayfinding

OBJECTIVES, PURPOSE, OR AIM: This study aims to gain insights into the implementation of theoretical knowledge on dementia-friendly design into practice to (1) identify key design criteria stimulating spatial orientation and wayfinding for seniors with dementia and (2) determine the optimal design for this purpose. BACKGROUND: Spatial orientation problems of seniors with dementia can be counteracted by the design of the physical environment of inpatient care facilities. Research has been conducted about design features supporting wayfinding skills for this target group, however, not on their implementation. METHODS: Fourteen floor plans of the living group of built projects have been evaluated on 14 design criteria supporting wayfinding skills for the target group and measurable in floor plans by the performance of a comparative floorplan analysis and multicriteria assessment. RESULTS: Although one third of the evaluated design criteria are properly implemented, all floor plans of the selected projects had some gaps in fulfilling all design criteria. Five typological floor plans—based on the circulation systems of the cases—were distinguished: one straight corridor structured by two walls, one corridor with corners, two corridors separated from each other by the living room, a continuous loop corridor, and a corridor framed by a wall and interior elements (e.g., cabinets). The majority of the cases was based on a linear system with one straight corridor. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, three of the five discovered typological floor plans work well for stimulating wayfinding. Furthermore, special attention need to be given to the configuration of the floor plans, shape, and daylight in the corridor.