Amid a global dementia epidemic and the absence of a definitive cure, creating
supportive environments that promote physical and social activity is paramount for
slowing disease progression. Moreover, inconsistencies and ofttimes subjective metrics
persist in the evidence base behind dementia-sensitive
design.
This study, conducted in three long-term care facilities in Bavaria, Germany, employs
ethnographic observations to investigate residents’ space use patterns. For the first
time, the comprehensive suite of space syntax techniques is tested for assessing the
behavior of people with dementia. Results suggest that spatial configuration (visual
integration) can effectively explain movement patterns (r2≈.5-.6). Best correlations are
found for wandering – despite potential somatosensory impairments. Purposeful
behaviors are more conditioned by the institutional regime. Social activities are
nuanced, influenced by care culture, persons involved, and cluster in the main common
room (MCR). A novel computational tool, MCR Step Depth analysis, is introduced to
illustrate the spatial dynamics of interactions. Comparative examination of special care
units yields new insights – ample daylight and views appear as attractors to wandering,
and strategic positioning of furniture may mitigate agitated behaviors. The research
emphasises the efficacy of space syntax as a qualitative, evaluative tool for care home
designs, providing practical recommendations for architects, and advancing the
discourse on dementia-sensitive design, ultimately seeking to enhance the well-being
and quality of life for people with dementia in long-term care settings.
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