World Alzheimers Report 2020 featuring Killara Respite Cottages!

The World Alzheimer Report 2020 has just been released. Titled: ‘Design, Dignity, Dementia: dementia-related design and the built environment,’ the report includes design progress to date, best practice, pioneers and innovators, design principles, regional and cultural contexts, and case studies across two volumes. 

We had the pleasure of visiting and evaluating Killara in Northam which was a GBA Architects project that featured in Volume 2 of this report. Of the 84 case studies presented, 14 came from Australia so congratulations to Gary Batt and his team at GBA Architects on this achievement! 

“Good design for dementia should compensate for impairments, maximize independence, and enhance self-esteem and confidence. It should also demonstrate care for staff, be orienting and understandable, reinforce personal identity, welcome relatives and the local community, and allow control of stimuli” p94.  The World Alzheimer Report 2020 takes this a step further to talk about human rights and inclusive design. 

Sadly, people living with dementia are being left behind in terms of health and social care and recognition that dementia is a condition causing disability.  However, there is a growing body of work exploring innovation, research and evaluation with more economic assessments of environmental characteristics and dementia specific designs recommended.  You can read further in Volume 1.

Using a case study format, the second volume of the report showcases examples of efforts being made internationally to “design buildings that meet the needs and aspirations of people living with dementia and those that care for them” p7.  Congratulations to Gary Batt Associates Architects for their fantastic project profiled on page 11.

Volume 1

Volume 2

GBA Architects designed the respite centre which opened in 2014. Testament to the durability of excellent design the small scale, domestic presentation, clear visual access, different areas of engagement and direct interface with the outdoors. The familiar furniture, unobtrusive safety features and enabling layout provides a home away from home which is embraced by both residents and families alike. 

As part of GBA’s continuous learning approach, we undertook a Post Occupancy Evaluation of the respite centre and hope to publish the results soon. In the meantime, if you wish to discuss Killara or any innovative design for seniors, Gary would be more than happy to speak with you on 9386 9733 or email him at gary@garybatt.com.au