Review: Creative Expressions

How divine is this handcrafted piece as part of 'Unravelling the Alchemy' a local exhibition now showing at The Goods Shed, Claremont. The alchemy of weaving draws on complex harvesting, preparation and making techniques that are practiced daily and communally in Milingimbi.

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InspirationAmy Bosnar
In Conversation with Mary Marshall

This week the team attended a fantastic presentation by world renowned dementia design expert, Mary Marshall. It was a terrific opportunity to discuss dementia design with Mary and encouraging to see de Fiddes philosophy aligns with international best practice.

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NewsAmy Bosnar
Simple Changes To Make An Impact

Continuing on with our theme this month, we have seen a large increase in refurbishments of existing facilities as a result of the new standards (particularly standard 5). There are many aspects to take into consideration and the right changes can make a remarkable difference to the lives of residents, family and staff.

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DesignAmy Bosnar
The E’s in Research – Expertise and E-Delphi

I recently had the privilege of working with several experts in aged care environments from all over the world in a research study. I was humbled by the breadth of their knowledge and willingness to share their views on a selection of environment assessment tools in the context of refurbishing residential aged care facilities.

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KnowledgeAmy Bosnar
Travel Tales

What an exciting month it has been! Not only have we been published in the journal of Aging and Social Change: Designing for Dementia but also being interviewed for the Home Journal Asia Magazine for our project we are working on in Hong Kong.

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NewsAmy Bosnar
Meet the Brighton

Combining evidence based research and clinical input from allied health professionals has enabled Western Australian furniture manufacturer Torrance and McKenna to develop a premium lounge chair called the Brighton.

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DesignAmy Bosnar
Inspired by Shanghai

Beautiful textures, fascinating sensory sculptures and rich colours were on display at this year's Shanghai trade fairs! We can't wait to get our hands on some of the many exciting new pieces on offer.

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InspirationAmy Bosnar
Longevity - Live Learn Work Play

de Fiddes was thrilled to be invited to join Curtin University in a bid for a Cooperative Research Centre.  We attended the first workshop, joining approximately 10 other organisations, on 6th August and met the CRC bid partners from Queensland. 

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NewsAmy Bosnar
Textiles for Sensory Design

Sensory enriched environments are familiar to many aged care organisations with some providing sensorial specific rooms using concepts similar to Snoezelen. However, is there too much emphasis on visual stimulation and high technology equipment in these rooms? A fascinating study shows there is more to flashing lights to provide meaningful sensory input.

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KnowledgeAmy Bosnar
A moment with textile artist Ruth de Vos

This month we explore textural textiles and who better to interview than the much loved illustrator and textile artist, Ruth de Vos. A Western Australian local, Ruth’s talent with both pencil and stitch is breathtaking as she interprets the beautiful moments of small children and their surroundings.

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Something For Everyone

As designers we are always seeking great spaces that demonstrate a new or innovative approach. Singapore’s Enabling Village located in Redhill does just that being both a park destination and part of the neighbourhoods daily commute network.

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What's new at DFD!?

Travel seems to feature highly in this month’s newsletter.  Samantha is off in September to present The E’s in Research – Expertise and E-Delphi at the Aging and Social Change 9th Conference in Vienna. Needless to say we are all volunteering to carry her luggage!  So good luck Sam and stay tuned for an update for when she gets back.

Also Erin, Kathryn and Christine have just come back from Sydney after visiting the Interface factory. 

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The Benefit of Designing for Everyone

Poor design is a barrier to accessing products and services for at least five million Australians! A body of work by the Centre for Inclusive Design has resulted in a resource called The Benefit of Designing for Everyone. 

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Inclusive Design what does it mean? 

Our theme this month ‘inclusive design’ we believe is very appropriate and in line with the new standards that commenced 1 July. The Guidance and Resource book talks about inclusion and the word inclusive is used throughout.  

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Mid Year Design News And Trends

Well winter is definitely upon us and I don’t know about everyone else but I have found this year so far to be incredibly cold and wet.  I know we all have different ideas and perceptions of cold so maybe mine is because I’m getting a little older!!

This month the girls have been invited to a number of different and interesting supplier presentations.Tarkett recently had a speaker discussing Trends and Forecasts

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Hey Google, Play Me A Song

Our theme this month is ‘identity’ so how does that translate into product or design in a residential aged care facility?

At de Fiddes Design we look at it from two aspects - how do you design spaces that identify with so many different residents living under one roof? Secondly, what type of product can be offered to help with identity or personalisation?

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