Lighthouse and Buoys: Dementia Friendly Neighbourhood

Year: 2023
Category: Concepts · Architecture +Joy
Type: Commercial
Status: Built
Firm: SUTD Social Urban Lab (SOULab)
Location: Singapore, Singapore

In Singapore, dementia affects 1 in 10 older adults, presenting a pressing challenge. Many people living with dementia (PLWDs) are housebound due to non-conducive outdoor environments. Moreover, Singapore's high-rise, high-density, and hyper-sensorial outdoor environment demands a unique, localised approach that renders guidelines done elsewhere less applicable. A design-ethnographic research was conducted with 10 pairs of PLWDs and their caregivers. Findings highlighted that reducing the complexity of the spatial environment can improve PLWD's perception of safety and accessibility.

Aligning PWLDs' favourite activities with legible spaces can sparks joy, offer them choices and agency, and nudge them to come outdoor. This led to four design-thinking principles: [+] Design to strengthen mental map [-] Design with a minimalist approach [x] Design to include a wider community especially caregivers [÷] Design for incremental change To enhance community navigation, the team conceptualized a series of design interventions inspired by the notions of "lighthouses" and "buoys," rooted in these guiding principles.

These "lighthouses" serve as prominent and purposeful landmarks, attracting PLWDs and caregivers, while "buoys" act as intermediate rest points and wayfinding markers, doubling as dementia support hubs. Stringing together, these "lighthouses" and "buoys" will then form an easy-to- remember walking loop. An example of such innovation involved adapting an underutilized hardcourt into a versatile "Blue Court", integrating an activity wheel, mobility games, social gardening tables, and comfortable swings as seating alternatives.

The floor pattern design in this unique cognitive fitness corner, inspired by the familiar "aeroplane" board game, aimed to trigger nostalgia among older residents. Another standout creation was a collaborative project with a nearby childcare centre, culminating in an oversized tic-tac-toe game, fostering interaction and inclusivity between generations. These interventions collectively serve as a proof-of-concept, reimagining existing spaces to create a vibrant and dementia-friendly neighbourhood, marking a promising shift toward inclusive and engaging community design.

This project was commissioned by Singapore Centre for Liveable Cities, as well as Agency of Integrated Care, with the support from Yio Chu Kang Grassroots Organisation and Ang Mo Kio Town Council.