Interviews

With Architect and Healthcare Professionals

Question 3

Do you think having a circular spatial layout within a building would help with way-finding or increase confusion?

Question 4

What do you think the most important element is when designing an interior space for those with Alzheimer’s?

Senior Architect

Nurse Practitioner A

‘Again this would depend on the context and the type of space. We know people with Alzheimer’s benefit from having a sense of freedom in their space and find locked doors very frustrating, so it is logical that a circular layout can be beneficial as long as people can way-find.”

“This is a difficult one to pick just one element, but I’d say the most important thing is always thinking about the space from the users perspective. But if I had to pick one thing that is overlooked it would be the quality of lighting.”

“Sorry - I’m not sure on this one. I think it depends on the individual to be honest.”

“If someone living with Alzheimer’s is having to move from their own home to live somewhere else then replicating the familiar would be important, e.g. the layout of furniture.”

Nurse Practitioner B

“It can be successful where used correctly, however it depends on the context of the building and whether this would be possible to achieve or not.”

“Having the ability to walk freely within a building. Giving people freedom to explore massively helps with frustration and confusion. Natural lighting is also a very important element.”

S i t e L o c a t i o n, H i s t o r y, P h o t o s, A n a l y s i s & P l a n s

Location

Former Seventh Day Adventist Church 2- 3 Bristo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 1EY

Status: Category B Listed

Architects: Sydney Mitchell and Wilson (1899-1900)

Area: 659m2 had to be somewhere easily accessible for families, somewhere clear. I also did not want to select a site that was too big, so confusion was not caused. So, 2-3 Bristo place was chosen. basement, ground floor, first floor and second floor. On the exterior frontage, where the first floor begins, there are four tall round-arched windows with a geometric pattern. The church occupies the levels from the first floor upwards, with the ground floor and basement intended for commercial use.

Location: Edinburgh’s Conservation Areas

The site is located within Edinburgh’s Old Town Conservation Area, on the ‘Planned Street Triangle’, which consists of Forest Road, Bristo Place and Teviot Row. This Triangle of streets was part of Thomas Hamilton’s (1784-1858) Southern Approach Roach, linking Princes Street to George Square and the Meadows.