House of Memories

STAGE3 STUDIO

Sensory Architecture:

HOUSE OF MEMORIES 'My yesterdays are disappearing and my tomorrows are uncertain, so what do I live for?

‘I live for each day, I live in the moment‘ Still Alice, by Lisa Genova

STUDIO SYNOPSIS

The psychology behind Perception of Space by a Person living with Dementia: How do we perceive space, and how does ‘space affordance’ work? This question is magnified when thinking of the differences in perception between a healthy person and a person with Dementia. Not only should the building and its surroundings offer a memorable experience, but even more; a delicate exposure of all the sensory systems, without an information overload. JJ Gibson’s model of ‘affordance’ delineates the psychology of human transactions possible between an individual and their environment. The term ‘affordance’ took on a deeper meaning when Donald Norman appropriated it in 1988 in his book the ‘Design of everyday things’, developing Gibson’s theories. Norman explained that human perceptions are not only dependent on their physical surrounding, but are linked to their physical capabilities as actors, their goals, beliefs and past experience, if anything; highlighting the distinction between mind and reality.

Traditionally the sensory classification included, vision, hearing, 1|Page

smell, taste and touch; Gibson then Norman theories proposed a model where, visual, auditory, taste, olfactory and haptic systems are used to describe how we sense space as an integral component of sensory perceptions. And their description of inhabited space as; where the sensory fields of experience of other people, objects and events have positions relative to one another. Gibson’s theories also referred to as ‘ecological psychology’ underpin our approach to rediscovering space from the perspectives of fragilities of Dementia patients. Challenging us to a renewed approach to architecture, where highlighting the sensory experience takes precedent and is used as a constant daily reminder to retrieve memories of one’s identity and experiences.

So far; architectural responses to building for People with Dementia have mostly evolved around creating buildings that attempt to compensate for cognitive deficits to reduce disorientation and the ‘wandering attitudes’. This project would attempt to reduce agitation in patients while providing spaces where staff can also work, with sometimes very challenging social behaviours from patients.

Although, research solidly suggests there is a direct link between Dementia and the patients’ perception of their environments, there is little research carried-out on how architecture responds effectively to areas such as; creating increased levels of daylight required, the reduction of sensory overload, or excessive shade and shadows, that can lead to increased patient agitation and confusion.

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STUDIO THEMES

STUDIO LEADERS

-User Centric Design- Understanding Design from a patient’s perspective -Slowing down of symptoms with Architectural Design -Application of Environmental Psychology theories in design: Attention Restoration Theory, Affordance and salutogenic theories, -Architectural programmes promoting intergenerational engagement; a social model of care versus a medical model of care -Designing for people sensitive to environmental Changes

Neveen Hamza: is a Senior Lecturer in Architecture in the School of

Architecture, Planning and Landscape, Newcastle University. She has recently been awarded a research fund from the Welcome Trust to study ‘the impact of Dementia patients’ environment on their agitation behaviours’. She has worked in both practice and academia and has over 90 research articles on the use of building and urban performance simulation to enhance human environments. She has also designed the double skin façade of the Northumbria Police Headquarters in Newcastle.

Stuart Franklin: is an Associate Director at JDDK Architects. He has been involved with numerous healthcare projects with the practice over the past 20years, focussing particularly on hospice design throughout the UK since 1999. Locally built health care schemes include St Oswald’s Hospice and Marie Curie Newcastle and Edinburgh. Stuart applies his knowledge of dementia design throughout his healthcare projects and has tutored at Newcastle and Northumbria Universities.

Studio Contributors: Dr. Jonathan Richardson: Old Age Psychiatry, Group Medical Director. I was appointed, as a Consultant in 2007. I am an educational and clinical supervisor and have a Diploma in Medical Education. I was one of the first North East Leadership Academy Clinical Leadership Fellows. I have an MSc in Integrated Service Improvement. I’m currently an executive member of the RCPsych Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry 2017- 2021 and I’m involved in 2ith the RCPsych looking at Frailty and its impact.

Mrs Maritina Markopolou: Is a Graduate of the MSc Sustainable Buildings and Environments-Newcastle University, an architect and an experienced tutor for urban performance simulation tools.

STUDIO ETHOS

The nature of Dementia as a disease, turns all the principles of programming for healthy users upside down. This is an exciting opportunity to develop methods of design inquiry that can affect the vulnerable and frail in an ageing community.

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The culture of the studio depends on an integrated development of creating architecture environments through the engagement with targeted user requirements, complexity of site and climate, sustainability and climate change and interpreting these driving factors within a sensitive response to architecture, tactility and materiality.

The studio depends on creating an engaged and supportive student-student and student tutors collaborations. There is always an element of group work but also individual elements for assessment to assess individual engagement with the studio trajectories.

Tutors in this studio are actively involved in dementia research, building design and medical practice. This a live project that is currently being considered by the University of Newcastle.

A live project – The Site: This project is currently under consideration as a potential site for a state of the art Dementia facility for NHS patients on Westgate road.

The site’s proximity to the Newcastle University Campus for Ageing and Vitality, offers an opportunity to link to health care professionals and state-of-the-art application of research findings. Another potential benefit includes; using energy generated on the Campus to feed into the Dementia care centre, and intergenerational social links with society.

The site

Proposed site for the state of the art Dementia facility for NHS patients on Westgate road, Newcastle

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SEMESTER 1 Phase 1: FRAMING Studio Week 1 (19th- 23th Oct): Readings in Dementia we will start by a lecture from the teaching team on Monday morning followed by Building performance simulation software introduction then a lecture at 4pm by Dr. Jonathan Richardson (NHS) Studio Week 2 (26th- 30th Oct): Virtual visit

to Castleside Ward and Project Site.

Individual tutorials investigating; sensory technologies and materials.

Studio Week 3 (2nd- 6th Nov): Presenting

the residential dementia pod Studio Week 4 (9th- 13th Nov: Dissertation week+ tutorial and cross studio forum

The ‘Framing’ is an opportunity to experiment and explore design possibilities of a ‘dementia pod’ interior and exterior explorations linked to an understanding of dementia as a group work followed by an individual exploration of the relationship of the pod to the other functions and landscape of the site.

In this stage, students will explore artefacts, materials and technologies that could be used to create ‘learning, remembering and feeling spaces’. This will also lead to thinking of the programmatic relationship between the ‘pod’ and other functions of the building For people with dementia, sensory experiences obtained via; repetition of exposure to tactile, visual and olfactory experiences, can help slowdown the progression of the disease, keeping patients entertained, active, and less agitated.

Studio Week 5 (23rd- 27th Nov: Tutorials Studio Week 6 (30th Nov - 4th Dec): Tutorials in addition to focused sessions of Envi-MET simulation software (3 hours every day-Tuesday and Wednesday Morning from 9am-12pm)

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Design Objectives (group work)-First three weeks Studio Week 7 (7th- 11th Dec): Case Study presentation and Tutorials in addition to further focused sessions on Envi-MET software (3 hours every day-Tuesday and Wednesday Morning from 9am-12pm) Studio Week 8 (14th- 18th Dec): Tutorials culminating in Framing Stage exhibition at the end of the week, prior to Christmas recess Studio Week 9 (11th- 15th Jan): Framing Stage Feedback sessions, during the first week back, following Christmas break.

The Sensory Residential Dementia Pod is an individually occupied pod that provides a ‘home away from home’ feeling. The pod design reflects analytics of how the space may be perceived from a dementia patient perspective.

The sensory residential dementia pod will utilize materials and technologies to replicate parts of patient’s past environments, to remind them of their daily habits, past and present. The pod is also a medically equipped patient’s room that explores the state-of-the art technologies, interior and architectural ideas, from existing building precedents and propose innovative ideas.

Students will build a virtual sensory residential dementia pods in groups of 4 students. This is to be accompanied by process drawings, sketches, daylight simulations, medical supporting research, or any other medium of presentation that the group sees appropriate.

The agreed upon pod design will be assessed individually based on:

The various interiors of the houses within Hogeweyk gated model village in Weesp, Outputs : Netherlands

Group Document of dementia analysis and associated critique of building precedent study 1:50 Plans and internal wall elevations of proposed individual bedroom and en-suite dementia pod, clearly labelling where dementia design needs have been met 3D perspectives and sketches of pod demonstrating materiality, how spaces are intended to be inhabited and the connections with adjacent internal and external spaces

1 -Research into Dementia specific requirements of space 2 -Research into movement requirements between inside and outside of the pod 3 -Researching tactility and memory interior aids whether in art form or technology 4 -Façade materiality of the pod to aid in shading and reducing light level contrasts

Precedent Analytical Case study and Project Site Analysis: Weeks leading up to Christmas Break This second week of this stage introduces, Urban Performance Simulation to use as a tool to model and refine your building’s massing decisions, based upon predictions of the wind flow and shadowing effects of your massing During this stage, students will analyse and critique existing building precedents, asking questions such as; ‘what can we do better today’ and use this knowledge/understanding to create their own 6|Page

1:1000 Initial Site analysis plans, analysing surrounding facilities and context

Dementia Residential Pod. Conceptual site analysis are also to be presented at this stage.

1:200 Bubble diagram of the proposed schedule of accommodation including room sizes and key physical adjacencies

-accommodation schedule of internal spaces, that highlights a sustainable building response to this brief.

1:200 Initial draft site massing plan, incl. male and female bedroom pod groupings and overall location of building mass within the site. Experimenting with massing can take place on multiple storeys

-Detailed site analysis of how the natural environment can provide passive energy and daylight to the project massing+ use of renewables to provide energy -Analytics of how the external environment can link the residents to their surrounding communities: ‘movement barriers’ that allow for human engagement over and inside the fences. There is a variety of schools and community organizations in the area, that could provide a good platform for inter-generational exchanges and reducing the negative associations, many have with healthcare facilities. Show how your ideas enhance human relationships, support and mentoring.

Supportive outdoor courtyard environment at Mowbray & Roker Dementia Care Unit, Monkwearmouth Hospital, Sunderland.

Utilising photovoltaic renewably energy

- The presentation of the analysis will include collaborative digital site models for up to groups of 4 students can be considered, and all other media chosen by the students to present their contextual analysis of the site (atmospheric sketches of particular impressions and moments of the site, drawings, photography, videos, etc).

The group site analysis and digital model will look into social structures, accessibility and environmental aspects.

Supportive outdoor environment in Hogeweyk gated model village in Weesp, Netherlands

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SEMESTER 2

Design objectives:

Phase 2: TESTING Studio Weeks 1 – 3 (1 – 21 Feb): Tutorials st

st

Studio Week 4 (22nd - 28th Feb): Testing Stage Reviews

Outputs: Developing site massing, floor plans, initial elevations and sections. Testing their design appropriateness using simulation software Explorations of material testing and thinking through making elements that could help provide better environments for Dementia Patients

Phase 3: SYNTHESIS Studio Weeks 5 - 7 (8th- 28th Mar): Tutorials culminating in Interim Reviews during the last week Studio Weeks 8 - 9 (26th Apr - 9th Mar): Tutorials Revision Weeks (10th May – 23r May): Culminating with Synthesis Stage Review during the last week Academic Portfolio Submission (W/C 24th May):

Students are encouraged to explore and test various building materials and their assembly that could provide a balanced stimulation of indoor and outdoor environments. The building tectonics can also incorporate materials that generate renewable energy as an integral part of the aesthetic and sensory experience. This can be part a building corner, part of the dementia residential pod, a memory alcove etc.

The provision of light and air, within dementia design, is equally as important as any building material in the sensory and haptic environments of this project. Students will need to investigate the delicate balance between light and shadow, to managing symptoms of the disease and provide an appropriate day-lit environment that helps the patient’s ‘circadian rhythm cycle’.

Julie Mehretu: ‘Berliner Platz’ 2008/09 Avoiding information overload in Art work used in Dementia residential accommodation. Art work should be abstract and not be photos of realistic objects to avoid confusion with the image leading to patient agitation

Design objective: This phase of the project goes beyond simply assembling spaces and building materials. The outputs of this stage are to present a ‘critical and innovative’ approach to the concept design, substantiated by individual’s analysis and interpretation of dementia based design. The scheme can be presented via a variety of mediums, all of the student’s own choice, such as: 8|Page

Outputs: 1:1000 & 1:500 Site analysis plans, analysing surrounding facilities and context 1:200 Site Plan, including proposed landscaping, demonstrating integration into urban surroundings.

1:100 Ground, First Floor & Roof Plans, including internal furniture layout demonstrating how spaces are intended to be inhabited and contextual connections with external spaces/streetscape 1:100 Two Sectional Perspectives through the building, including stairwell section 1:50 & 1:20 Part Plans showing Velux & EnviMET Simulations demonstrating appropriateness of final design solutions 1:200 Plans demonstrating fire strategy 1:200 Plans demonstrating environmental strategy, incl. ventilation, heating and renewable energy 1:200 Plans demonstrating ‘wandering path’ inclusion within the design 1:20 Part section through key façade, demonstrating integration of solar shading, ventilation & materiality of the external envelope Key Internal & External 3D Perspectives, showing how users interact with spaces, as well as demonstrating the building’s materiality and consistency of architectural language throughout

drawings, physical models, building simulation outputs, sound recordings or video recordings of experiential and sensory experiences of particular tectonics of the building.

Diagrammatic responses to brief are also to be provided, quantifying the building and urban performance of the overall concept stage massing strategies to the benefit of a person with dementia. A successful spatial programme will also address fire and safety regulations, waste disposal, accessibility and the technical structure and buildup of the architectural expression of the building.

The design concept and overall massing has to demonstrate a high level of situational and contextual response to decrease dependency on ‘grid and fossil fuel energy’, increasing the potential to run completely off-grid or as a net zero carbon building. These technologies can be used to provide intrigue to all building users.

The project will present a refined lines of inquiry and based on their research and understanding of the nature of the disease and needs of people with dementia. They will be asked to show their design synthesis, based upon their sustainability strategy and both building/urban simulation modelling of their own designs, with an over-riding coherent design narrative to its particular context Accommodation Requirements: You will be required to provide an overall conceptual massing for a Dementia village of housing units on site-massing only and landscape routes to secure a safe environment for autonomous wondering under passive surveillance.

The building is expected to cover approximately 1500 sq.m. over two floors. The dementia facility is to comprise of a day-care centre linking to 8-10 residential bedroom/en-suite pods.

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Certain facilities must be included to retain the daily habits of occupants, including: -Service kitchen, -multiple use space (that could be used for dancing or games- intergenerational space engagements) -a cinema, spa/beauty facilities -Shopping areas -nursing stations and associated medical support rooms -A quiet room to provide a quiet environment for an agitated patient Maintaining the activity of shopping in Hogeweyk gated model village in Weesp, Netherlands

Avoid patterns on floors as this is perceived as holes

Students are free to add or change the accommodation requirement brief to fit their individual ideas, as long as it provides a place where people with dementia can interact with the community and be provided with the required healthcare and wellbeing they need, in a safe and stimulating sensory environment.

Attention Restoration Theory In a ‘People with Dementia Care Centre’ also highlights the importance of the relationship between indoors and outdoors enhances the sensory experience, but also provides venues to reduce agitation specifically for patients with ‘wandering attitudes’.

A sensory garden the patients, carers and families can use and sit in during the mid-seasons, to improve their exposure to the sun and generation of vitamin D. The sensory garden has to support the free and safe movement of patients, while providing passive surveillance from staff.

‘Gardens of the Senses’ and therapeutic outdoor environments, where patients can wander safely and engage with neighbouring communities have proven scientific benefits to slow down the progression of disease, keep patients/carers active, and provide an opportunity to normalize ‘intergenerational encounters’.

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STUDIO SPECIFIC CRITERIA 1- Sensitive and reflective approaches to specific user centric approaches and translation into an architectural programme and aesthetic language that reflects those intricate and complex needs of a dementia sufferer.

2- Approaches to sustainability and combat climate change that improves indoor and outdoor environments of a dementia sufferer supported by building and urban simulation

TECTONICS At the end of the year each student should be able to demonstrate appropriate technical competency.

This will be assessed as part of ARC3013 from a technical perspective. The integration and synthesis of these ideas within their design are then assessed as part of ARC3001.

Students will be asked to explore studio relevant technical and environmental themes which must be evident in their schemes. We don't recommend you are prescriptive about what these will be at this stage as they may differ between students but we ask you to give some general themes. For example, a studio based on housing may look at the technical implication relevant to domestic scale architecture.

ARCHITECTURAL THEORY Describe your studio's theoretical framework. Students will be asked to consider this as part of their essay submission for ARC3015 Theory Into Practice.

READING LIST: Alzheimer’s Europe and Alzheimer’s UK, are leading organizations in the field University of Stirling has a comprehensive webpage on Dementia Interior environments have a look here https://dementia.stir.ac.uk/ Dementia-friendly health and social care environments (HBN 08-02) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dementia-friendly-health-and-social-careenvironments-hbn-08-02 Feddersen E. and Ludtke I (2014) Architecture and Dementia, Lost in Space, Birkhauser Feddersen E. and Ludtke I (2014) Living for the elderly: Manual A design, 2nd edition, Title is part of eBook package: Architecture and Design, De Gruyter EBOOK PACKAGE. Online access from Newcastle library webpage.

Hamza N. Reducing Agitation in Dementia Patients: A role for environmental design. In: 33rd International Conference Passive Low Energy Architecture PLEA 2017. 2017, Edinburgh, UK: Network for comfort and Energy Use in Buildings (NCEUB).

Nagari K, Hamza N. Assessment of Daylight in Relation to the Agitation Levels of People with Dementia. In: Building Simulation and Optimization, Third IBPSA-England Conference. 2016, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: Newcastle University. Carballeira M, Hamza N. Assessment of Indoor Visual Environments Using Dementia-Friendly Design Criteria in Day Care Centres. In: Building 11 | P a g e

Simulation and Optimization, Third IBPSA-England Conference. 2016, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: Newcastle University.

Some precedents https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/site-elements/documents/pdf/social-health/adult-care-andwellbeing/accommodation-and-housing/community-care-centres/meadow-view-leaflet.pdf Ministry of Health (2016), Secure Dementia Unit Design Reference Guide: A Person-Centred Perspective, Wellington.https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/securedementia-care-home-design-information-resource.pdf

Shannon, K. and Jurgenhake, B. (2020), "Dutch care environments for people with dementia: impressions from the perspectives of an architect and a gerontologist", Working with Older People, Vol. 24 No. 2, pp. 143-147. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-01-20200002

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