Architecture for Wellbeing vs Wellbeing in Architecture
Photo courtesy of INCH Architecture and Design, and Keith Hunter Photography
October’s thought-provoking #DesignPopUp in Edinburgh focused on understanding how design and architecture can contribute to enhancing health and wellbeing in society. DSDC’s Professor Lesley Palmer and Associate Peter Kerr were invited to speak and share their thoughts, amongst a plethora of innovative speakers from industry and academia.
Photo courtesy of #DesignPopUp
Designing for dementia has long been recgonised as a non-pharmacological way to support people with a diagnosis of a dementia. The dementia design principles, underpinned by research, have been identified as making a significant contribution to improving quality of life, not just for people with a diganosis of a dementia, but an ageing population. It is these dementia design principles which DSDC applies with clients to create spaces which can enhance health and wellbeing, as Professor Palmer was able to share with the delegates.
An excellent example of successfully applying these principles and creating a multi-purpose space which supports a diverse client base, which is supportive of individuals with mental health problems, is Broomhill Gardens in Greenock, Scotland. This new build community centre sits within an area of deprivation and has a dual purpose:
Operate as a community centre, which can facilitate community groups, such as a dementia cafe and kindergarten, with opportunities for local businesses seminar rental, exhibitions and private parties.
Provide horticultural employability training centre for adults with mental health issues.
The client behind the project, Inverclyde Association for Mental Health, wanted to ensure that the building would not just be a space in which to operate the above, but it would actively support people and allow them to engage in their community; remove barriers and make a real difference. INCH Architecture & Design brought their visualisation to life, creating a space which is multi-functional, supportive of individual needs, architecturally beautiful, yet practical, at the heart of the community.
Through the successful application of the dementia design principles, this building is able to support individual needs and is a perfect example of how a building can contribute to enhancing health and wellbeing. For example: reference points and the use of permeable materials were used to support wayfinding, while an enclosed garden provides direct access outside whilst also allowing individuals to remain within the safety of the space. An acoustic wall was included to reduce reverberation within the busy cafe, which can encourage communication and engagement by bringing down the noise level.
Image courtesy of INCH Architecture and Design, and Keith Hunter Photography
These simple, yet highly effective examples show how well-designed spaces can actively make a difference in communities. By supporting individuals to maintain their independence and enhance quality of life, through providing a safe and supportive space in which to do so is inherently simple yet the impact cannot be underestimated.
Well-designed places and spaces can contribute to enhancing health and wellbeing in society, there is no doubt about that. It is up to us as individuals to understand how we can take steps to ensure that we leave lasting legacies which will continue to positively support communities. A great place to start is DSDC’s Environments for Ageing and Dementia Design Toolkit (EADDAT). This toolkit takes you through the dementia design principles and supports you to make changes in your environment that can make a huge difference to the lives of people living with a diagnosis of a dementia. You can read more about EADDAT and how to use it here.
Thank you to #DesignPopUp Edinburgh, INCH Architecture & Design, and Broomhill Gardens
