jueves, 9 de marzo de 2017

Creating Enabling Environments: Dementia & Assisted Living

6th INTERNATIONAL HEALTH HUMANITIES CONFERENCE



The aim of this paper is to show, at the 6th International Health Humanities Conference, how creative practice and the integration of new technology in architecture allow individuals with a range of characteristics, inhabitants with dementia, to live in dignity, comfort and safety, while supporting caregivers.

The mission of architecture is to build an atmosphere where humans can develop their space and habitat. Architecture is a necessary tool in building the inhabitants’ environment.

The extension of human life expectancy brings about the challenge of maintaining quality of life throughout that period. One of the most significant diseases affecting our aging population is Alzheimer’s disease. This is regarded as the epidemic of the 21st century, due to the growing number of patients, the diversity of the populations and cultures affected and its advanced effect on aging societies. Society has to adapt to these new risks and draw on the necessary tools to address this issue, within the context of family life and organization, housing and the smart cities of the future.

We will develop examples and experiences in different countries, covering different practices and scales in architecture: the home context, residence buildings and finally at the urban scale. This knowledge is important in organizing and planning the standard for future cities. Ambient Intelligence (AmI) and Active Assisted Living (AAL) solutions will be unveiled, as well as other suitable architectural techniques that allow for a proper spatial definition, the interpretation of user needs in the incorporation of new facilities and the implementation of technological solutions in ordinary housing as an added part in future house development.


Houston (USA), March  10th, 2017