Planning memory-friendly residential environments. The case of Kuokkalan Kalon in Jyväskylä, Finland
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School of Arts, Design and Architecture |
Master's thesis
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Date
2022
Department
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
Master’s Programme in Interior Architecture
Language
en
Pages
126
Series
Abstract
This master’s thesis is directed by the Sotera research group at the Department of Architecture, promoting independence and well-being for people with memory decline. Worldwide, more than fifty-five million people live with this condition, most of whom will live or want to live in their own homes. With proper assistance and a supportive built environment, aging in place can help retain independence and improve the overall quality of life. However, many built environments often do not anticipate the unique needs of people with memory decline due to decline in cognition, altered sensitivity to environmental conditions, and behavioral symptoms. This thesis investigates the importance of the built environment for people with memory decline and studies how these environments can help preserve the sense of self and assure independence and safety at home. This thesis aims to create a safe, understandable, and familiar living environment throughout all stages of the condition, allowing people to age in place for as long as possible. The research part is addressed through literature review and case studies. The design part is developed in collaboration with serviced housing company ‘Yrjö ja Hanna Foundation.’ The housing block ‘Kuokkalan Kalon’ in downtown Jyväskylä, Finland, focuses on multigenerational living, older communities, and a shared economy. One of the five apartment buildings aims to integrate memory-friendly solutions and layouts. This thesis’ design proposal focuses on different scales of residential environments, providing memory-friendly design solutions that range from private: apartments, semi-private: hallways, to semi-public: common spaces, and lastly, public: therapeutic outdoor areas.Description
Supervisor
Kareoja, PenttiThesis advisor
Arpiainen, LauraKeywords
memory-friendly, memory decline, aging in place, personalization, adaptability, safety, independence, community