Categories
Author: KatieMcPartlin
Categories
Assignment 1C – Katie McPartlin
“Nostalgia Gardens”
The Site: Blenheim Lodge
Site Photos:
Site Exploration:
HEalth Issue and BAckground:
Almost 70% of residents at Blenheim lodge suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. This condition can cause cognitive decline, memory loss, confusion, depression, and an increase in isolation (1). Gardens have been shown to have a positive effect on people suffering from this disease (2). Community gardens especially can help with social engagement and reduce some early symptoms of Alzheimer’s (3).
Evoking nostalgia in those suffering with dementia is another well researched strategy to improve dementia related symptoms and cognitive decline (4). Alzheimer’s greatly effects short term memory loss, gardening and familiar chores can often help surface long term memories.
Concept Statement:
I hope this garden design will immerse isolated residents with the outside community, whether watching from their window or actively participating in program. A comfortable space that can play a role in cognitive development.
References:
1. National Institute on Aging. “Cognitive Health and Older Adults”. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults. Last updated: 2020
2. Murroni, Veronica, Raffaele Cavalli, Andrea Basso, Erika Borella, Chiara Meneghetti, Andrea Melendugno, and Francesca Pazzaglia. “Effectiveness of therapeutic gardens for people with dementia: A systematic review.” International journal of environmental research and public health18, no. 18 (2021): 9595.
3. Noone, Sarah, and Nicholas Jenkins. “Digging for Dementia: Exploring the experience of community gardening from the perspectives of people with dementia.” Aging & Mental Health22, no. 7 (2018): 881-888.
4. Ismail, Sanda, Gary Christopher, Emily Dodd, Tim Wildschut, Constantine Sedikides, Tom A. Ingram, Roy W. Jones, Krist A. Noonan, Danielle Tingley, and Richard Cheston. “Psychological and mnemonic benefits of nostalgia for people with dementia.” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease65, no. 4 (2018): 1327-1344.
Concept Development:
Early concept development had programing and design solutions with a heavy focus on cognitive exercise and social engagement. The element of social engagement was largely explored through the use of playgrounds as well as community gardens.
Coordinating simple shapes of paving, planters, and plants was an early strategy to address cognitive exercise.
Continued design process led to ideas of vertical views for indoor residents. It also resulting in the final design strategy which was focusing on familiarity and nostalgia to address cognitive exercise and other dementia related symptoms. This nostalgia garden would be woven throughout a more private loop and a more public community garden space.
Form Interations:
Various iterations of form took place as a result of program adjusts and site constraints, and dementia specific design considerations.
Main design constraints and considerations for dementia:
- Circular paths
- Wayfinding
- Excluding dead ends or gates
- Using planting or other subtle barriers to redirect people.
- Repeating patters
- Consistent and distinct paths using high contrast between path and path edge.
Space visualizations and Perspectives:
Nostaligia Garden: final drawings
A series of planting palettes for various significant spaces were developed.
Additional References For Design Conserdations:
Motealleh, Parinaz, Wendy Moyle, Cindy Jones, and Karine Dupre. “The Impact of a Dementia-Friendly Garden Design on People With Dementia in a Residential Aged Care Facility: A Case Study.” HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal15, no. 2 (2022): 196-218.
Mitchell, Lynne, Elizabeth Burton, Shibu Raman, Tim Blackman, Mike Jenks, and Katie Williams. “Making the outside world dementia-friendly: design issues and considerations.” Environment and planning B: planning and design30, no. 4 (2003): 605-632.
Continued Concept Development and Form Iterations
Plan- Form Iterations:
Experiential Details:
Blenheim Lodge – Long-term Care Home
Garden Concept Development :
Research & Health Issues of Focus
Almost 70% of residents at Blenheim lodge suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in some capacity. This condition can cause cognitive decline, memory loss, confusion, depression, and an increase in isolation. Gardens have been shown to have a positive effect on people suffering from this disease. Community gardens especially can help with social engagement and reduce some early symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s greatly effects short term memory loss, gardening and familiar chores can often help surface long term memories. I hope this garden design will immerse isolated residents with the outside community, whether watching from their window or actively participating in program. A comfortable space that can play a role in cognitive development.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults
Base Map 1:100
Concept Development: Ideas / Brainstorming programs
Form Development: Plan Overlays of Program
More Garden Details:
Categories
Assignment 1A- Katie McPartlin
BLenheim Lodge- Long Term Care Home
Site Photos:
Initial Site Sketches / Notes:
Context Maps:
Section:
Updated Section:
