The therapeutic effect that architecture can have in the treatment of various diseases seems increasingly clear. When the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s, the influence becomes even greater. This is one of the main ideas expressed at the 1st Conference on Alzheimer’s and Architecture, hosted by Clece at the Queen Sofía Foundation Alzheimer’s Centre.
18 June 2010. Under the heading “The Architecture of Memories”, the event was aimed in particular at associations for relatives of Alzheimer’s sufferers, many of which as a result of high demand are involved in projects to develop and build centres specialising in the disease. Guidelines and practical advice were given on designing and running a centre and the regulations involved, with participation from renowned architects and managers with expertise in the field. Various associations involved in the sector discussed how to ensure that buildings are designed and managed with consideration for Alzheimer’s patients, of which there are more than 45,000 in Spain.
Among other issues, the speakers stressed the importance of adapting, creating and/or extending the number of specialist centres, where architectural design is fundamental for patients, as studies have shown that interaction with the physical environment can minimise some of the disease’s negative effects. Various technical and administrative issues relating to these projects were also discussed.
Speeches
According to José Ramón Menéndez Aquino, Director General for the Elderly in the Community of Madrid Department for the Family and Social Affairs, “the main objective of the Queen Sofía Foundation Alzheimer’s Centre is to provide an integral response to the consequences of the disease, not just among those that suffer it on a daily basis, but also among their relatives. Intentional use is made of colour, lighting, textures and landscaping, and living areas are designed as places where people can come together and interact in a homely environment”.
Carlos Lamela, the architect responsible for designing the Alzheimer’s Centre, stated that “the project was a real challenge due to the lack of truly comparable prior experiences. The aim was to create a space in which research, training and, most importantly, patient care all came together in an environment as close as possible to their own home. The design also had to be modular to allow for future extensions and exportability, so that the project can be replicated in other towns and regions”.
A pioneering centre
The beneficial effects that the environment can have on Alzheimer’s patients can be seen in the Queen Sofía Foundation Alzheimer’s Centre itself. In operation since 2007, the foundation’s care centre is a pioneer not just in Spain but right across Europe. It has four main sections: a residential home for 156 people, a day centre for 40 users, a training centre and a research unit.
Among the improvements made in architecture and design to help Alzheimer’s patients, residents are divided into groups according to the stage of their disease. The facilities also have lighting solutions and colour codes to help patients find their way around.
The first three of the centre’s four main sections belong to the Community of Madrid Department for the Family and Social Affairs, with comprehensive management provided by CLECE, a company in the ACS Group and leader in Spain in the provision of social services. According to the company’s Technical Director in charge of managing these three sections, Laura Fernández Colmenero, “with this conference, which forms part of our usual programme of discussions and debate, we wanted to show our ongoing commitment to the families of Alzheimer’s sufferers, who deserve all our support, by providing a suitable environment in which people with Alzheimer’s can live close to their home environment”.