KAIT DESIGN
A. I. P. With Grace is a customized design for an elderly couple who are seeking a forever-home for aging in place. The wife, Grace, was recently diagnosed with onset dementia. The design aims to create a safe, comforting space that fulfills all the living requirements needed to make living with dementia simple for both the client and the caregiver.
Date : 2019-2020
Medium: AutoCAD, Photoshop, Sketchup
Concept: Familiarity / Safety
Careful research was conducted on dementia-friendly homes as a basis for the design plan. However, what creates the most comfortable, safe space is highly individualistic and for this reason it was important to work with the clients, Grace and Paul, throughout the design process. Grace is at risk of losing as much as 30 years of her life from when she was diagnosed. It was decided that the best design for the client was based on western principles dated back 40 years. For this reason, the brick exterior facade (See structural elevations below) was mostly preserved to maintain it's traditional quality.
All living amenities needed on a daily basis is located on the main floor including kitchen, main bedroom, open living space, a customized walk- through closet and dementia-friendly washrooms. The second floor is a space that allows both clients to pursue their passions. The indoor garden oasis combines Paul's studio space and Grace's library. Over top is a giant dome that permits sunlight to enter the space. One can get lost in the clouds and breathe in the smell of fresh plants from the safety of their home. The garden ensures Paul can work in his studio without worry due to the site lines overlooking the whole garden space. His wife, Grace, has the ability to read, rest, and roam safely in their house without the feeling of being trapped.
Subtle Details that Ensure Comfort, Familiarity & Safety
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The design uses more traditional architecture, spatial planning, and appliances that Grace and Paul were familiar with 30 years prior.
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Each corner in the house has a rounded edge to prevent accidental injury.
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Open visual sight lines for the client to orient themselves and the caregiver to monitor safety (this includes site lines to toilets from other rooms).
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Doors to enclosed spaces open outwards in case of falls against the door.
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Consistency of colours on floors. Changes only to mark a difference in elevation.
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Minimal elevation changes.