Recommendations for Design and
Conclusion
From the findings of the studies discussed here,
it can be hypothesized that floor plan designs
significantly support the spatial orientation and
wayfinding of people with dementia. Although
they play an important role in such people’s orientation,
interventions such as signage, furnishings,
lighting, and colors cannot compensate for
an adverse architectural design (Elmstahl et al.,
1997; Marquardt & Schmieg, 2009; Passini et.
al., 1998; 2000). For the creation of a dementiafriendly,
supportive environment, the synthesis
of both aspects of architectural design must be
considered. The following four guidelines could
be implemented in all designs to support the
wayfinding abilities of people with dementia:
1. No need for new or higher skills. Because of their
cognitive decline, people with dementia are limited
in the ability to perform higher skills or learn
new skills. Therefore, the navigation of the floor
plan of a dementia-friendly setting should not
require higher skills, such as reading and interpreting
signage. Also, the typology of the building
should be a familiar design and not require
the acquisition of new orientation strategies, as it
does, for example, in typologies with continuous
paths. A simple, clear layout of the floor plan
and well-defined, geometrically simple rooms
are structural prerequisites to successful orientation
and wayfinding in nursing homes.
2. Allow visual access and overview. Because of
the degeneration of their brains, people with
dementia cannot mentally represent spatial
situations that they cannot see directly. Therefore,
all places relevant to them should allow
for visual access, and it should be possible for
them to oversee their entire immediate living
environment.
3. Reduce decision making. It becomes increasingly
difficult for people with dementia to make a
hierarchical decision. Therefore, crossing hallways
and several changes in direction should