Yaşlı Sorunları Araştırma Dergisi (Dec 2023)
Spatial Orientation and Wayfinding in People Living with Dementia: Design Principles and Approaches
Abstract
Dementia is a progressive process that seriously affects the cognitive capacity of the individual alongside the physiological and psychological changes caused by old age. This syndrome, which greatly affects daily life, also limits the person's relationship with the physical environment. Over time, it reduces one's ability to manage their independent movement in space. Loss of memory, decrease in visual-spatial functions, and physical characteristics of space are the main factors that cause loss of orientation and wayfinding in individuals with dementia. The symptoms start with wayfinding problems in unfamiliar places and can proceed to confusion with the rooms of their own house. However, individuals with dementia need to continue to interact with their environment as independently as possible. The main emphasis of this study is the belief that interior design can make a significant contribution to living the rest of their lives as independently and stress-free as possible for individuals with dementia who experience the physical difficulties brought by old age, the limitation of cognitive abilities, and the psychological damage caused by them, and the restrictions in their daily lives. The study aims to discuss and propose design principles and approaches that will support orientation and wayfinding in dementia-friendly living spaces, with the knowledge gained from research in the field. Firstly, conceptual explanations about dementia and old age are given, and then the changes brought about by dementia and their reflection on the use of space are discussed. The article continues with the consideration of design criteria that support the orientation and wayfinding abilities of individuals with dementia. Within the scope of the study, the criteria supporting orientation and wayfinding in dementia-friendly spaces are discussed under three headings: spatial organization, spatial perception, wayfinding, and signage systems.
Keywords
