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Honorable Mention

Lighthouse & Buoys: Dementia Friendly Neighbourhood : Space designs that create lasting memories for dementia patients

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Nationality
Singapore
Group
SUTD Social Urban Lab (SOULab)
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Honorable Mention

SUTD Social Urban Lab (SOULab)

About Project

The Dementia-Friendly Neighbourhood project in Singapore addresses the critical need for outdoor environments conducive to people living with dementia (PLWDs). By employing a design-ethnographic approach, the project involved PLWDs and their caregivers to identify and address their unique needs. The resulting design interventions, guided by the principles: (+) strengthening mental maps, (-) minimalism, (x) community inclusion, and (%) incremental change, transformed key community locations into “lighthouses” and “buoys”.

These interventions create a network of accessible, engaging, and memorable spaces that encourage PLWDs to venture outdoors, fostering social interaction and physical activity. The “Blue Court” and multi-generational games are examples of spaces that cater to both cognitive and physical well-being, promoting intergenerational bonding and community cohesion.

By improving the navigability and inclusivity of neighbourhoods, the project enhances the quality of life for PLWDs, reduces caregiver burden, and fosters a supportive community. This sustainable approach not only aligns with Singapore's urban landscape but also promotes harmony between people, society, and the environment, creating a model for dementia-friendly urban design that can be replicated in other high-density cities.

Judging Comment