DEMENTIA DESIGN
Hopital Saint Jean de Maurienne.
spaces that feel welcoming rather than clinical.13 Finally, EBD emphasises the need for social spaces that encourage interaction, addressing the risk of isolation often faced by dementia patients. Social isolation can exacerbate cognitive decline, so EBD-informed design typically includes communal spaces with warm colours and open layouts to make social interaction more accessible.14
By thoughtfully
organising communal spaces, EBD aims to foster a sense of community within dementia care settings, promoting well-being and reducing feelings of loneliness. Together, these colour and material
recommendations reflect EBD’s structured approach to dementia-friendly design. Translating research findings into actionable strategies, EBD provides a framework for environments that support safety, orientation, and emotional comfort. However, while these recommendations are beneficial, EBD’s segmented structure may also introduce limitations, particularly regarding the cohesive experience of a space.
Hopital Saint Jean de Maurienne.
Critique of EBD in dementia care Despite EBD’s valuable insights, the showcased examples of evidence-based labelled designs raise substantial questions about design quality, especially if measured against Peter Zumthor’s notion of architecture as an art of atmosphere creation and emotional resonance.15
Does an empirical emphasis
risk favouring data over an intuitive, empathetic approach? Juhani Pallasmaa argues that an over-reliance on EBD can limit design outcomes, potentially missing the ‘full range of positive and active sensory stimuli’ needed to create truly impactful environments.5 A core limitation of EBD is its reliance
on isolated recommendations – focusing on individual components like colour or material – without fully integrating these elements into a cohesive whole. Architectural design, by nature, requires a compositional approach where all elements interact harmoniously to create an environment that feels both natural and inviting.16 Furthermore, EBD’s data-driven focus may constrain the sensory richness and
emotional depth essential in dementia care settings. Metrics guide functional decisions, but this may overlook subjective qualities that foster emotional resonance. Environments designed solely from data can lack warmth or a sense of connection,14
which is particularly
detrimental in dementia care where emotional support is crucial. Additionally, EBD’s emphasis on functionality often prioritises durability and hygiene over the intrinsic sensory qualities of materials, such as texture and warmth. When materials are chosen purely for durability – often essential in healthcare – the sensory richness that enhances comfort can be underutilised, resulting in impersonal spaces.17
Insights from broader architectural practice Architecture is, at its core, about composition – the harmonious integration of colour, material, light, and spatial arrangement to create environments that are both functional and emotionally resonant. Unlike EBD’s segmented approach, which tends to isolate design
Cognitive geriatrics. IFHE DIGEST 2025
Norra Vram Care Home by Marge Arkitekter. 81
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