Confused but not Lost; Assisted Living for People with Dementia

Abstract

This Master’s thesis investigates how architectural design can reduce confusion and anxiety for people with dementia in Swedish facilities, and how these principles can be adapted for the Taiwanese context. The research is primarily based on Swedish assisted living regulations and housing standards. Given that dementia has become a significant social challenge in Sweden, the built environment plays a vital role in the well-being of those affected; however, many existing facilities still cause distress due to poor spatial design. The study examines theories regarding spatial configuration, wayfinding, and spatial perception in dementia, alongside the role of architectural form. Through literature reviews and case studies, these theories are translated into a set of practical design principles, which guide a proposal for an assisted living facility in Gothenburg. This project demonstrates that architectural decisions have real consequences for the orientation and well-being of residents with dementia. It aims to show how theoretical concepts can be directly applied to architectural practice to ensure a sense of direction for residents. Finally, the thesis discusses how the Swedish experience and design principles can be transferred to the Taiwanese context. This process involves comparing the care systems, architectural typologies, and urban differences between the two regions to analyze which design elements are transferable and which present localization challenges. Drawing on personal reflections, the author explores the common dilemmas faced by both Sweden and Taiwan in the discussion of elderly care architecture, ultimately offering valuable insights for Taiwan’s developing long-term care system and facilities.