A Dementia Village ALONG THE PEAK

Abstract

AIM The aim of the project is to create a proposal for a dementia village in Utby, Gothenburg. Our elderly population is growing, the average lifespan is increasing, and age is the strongest risk factor for dementia. This leads to an increased demand in care taking facilities for elderly with dementia. In 2014, there were an estimated 5 million people over the age of 65 suffering from dementia. That number is projected to be nearly 14 million in 2050. Symptoms of the disease can vary widely from person to person, but memory loss, decreased visual perception and issues with communication are common ones. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, making up about 60-80 % of people with dementia. DEMENTIA FRIENDLY DESIGN The project offers plenty of green areas with different levels of exposure to encourage outdoor visits. Moving your body and going outside is important for people of all ages, and by offering several outdoor spaces and activities such as courtyards, balconies, and a big garden, the residents have multiple choices. The outdoor areas are designed to be safe with wide paths and offer both shade and rain protection. The atriums provide the residents with a meeting space for colder days, while at the same time offering views into nature. LIVING A NORMAL LIFE It is important to give residents choices and keep life as normal as possible as well as creating stimuli of different kinds. The shopping street with a store, hairdresser, restaurant, and gym offers a safe way to ensure residents’ needs are met. The wellness centre in the underpass with its spa and sun therapy room can elevate moods and help to calm down stressed residents. Two couples’ apartments are created to give people the option of continuing to live together even when they are in need of care. Furthermore, there are many social spaces encouraging interactions and exchange.