Sage is a dementia awareness and day program facility designed to educate dementia patients and their families about the condition, as well as offer treatment through adult day program activities. Through a home-like atmosphere with versatile spaces and an indoor garden, the facility aims to reduce the stigma around the medical condition by creating an inclusive community that will support one’s social, cognitive, and physical health and well-being to enhance their quality of life.
LOCATION
SIZE
DATE
MEDIA
4900 PALLADIUM WAY, BURLINGTON, ON
14,400 SQFT
APRIL 2023
AUTOCAD, SKETCHUP, ENSCAPE, PHOTOSHOP, PROCREATE
R E S E A R C H
Adult day programs are a common form of treatment for dementia; however, there is a lack of knowledge indicating which activities and elements from these programs tend to be the most beneficial. My research study aimed
to identify the effects of day programs on dementia patients by examining the spatial elements and activities offered within existing memory care centres. The results found that a non-clinical, welcoming environment
with spaces for clients to connect with like-minded individuals helps promote improvements in physical, psychological, and emotional well-
being. Due to the uncertainty of the condition, a diverse range of activities
is also essential for providing appropriate stimulation to clients.
Dementia is a medical condition that affects the brain and is characterized by one’s cognitive decline. Despite the growing number of cases worldwide, the disease is often stigmatized due to a lack of understanding and awareness. According to the Alzheimer Society, reducing the
stigma and supporting the emotional well-being and dignity of persons with dementia are the top
research priorities in Canada.
In comparison to other cities like Mississauga and Oakville, Burlington currently has the
highest number of elderly inhabitants, which make up 21% of the demographic population.
Despite this, the city has limited adult day programs and educational resource centres
for dementia awareness. This emphasizes the need for more resources to
accommodate Burlington’s growing elderly population, as well as the rise in
dementia cases expected in the upcoming years.
D E S I G N P R O C E S S
SOCIAL
Spaces for socialization and day program activities
QUIET
Intimate spaces for rest and relaxation
CAREGIVER
Spaces for respite, education, and support group therapy
SERVICE
Health and hygiene services
STAFF
Productive and relaxation spaces for staff
The reception faces the elevators upon arrival. Following a dynamic approach, the plan creates asymmetrical balance through an inflected linear system that connects the different zones along the main central corridor, encouraging movement throughout the space. Radial balance occurs around the indoor garden, while closed spaces are mostly grouped along the right side of the floor space.
The block plan showcases all the areas within the facility. Most spaces within the social zone have an open-concept design to provide occupants with a sense of space while also encouraging movement. The areas within the quiet zone are more secluded to provide appropriate acoustic control and prevent the distribution of noises.
-
The name Sage symbolizes long life, good health, and wisdom
-
The tree logo symbolizes connection, capturing the intent of the centre
-
Simple sans-serif texts increase legibility
-
The colour scheme includes neutral shades of green and blue to create a calming environment, pink to ease dementia symptoms, and orange to promote alertness and creativity
This sketch illustrates the main corridor looking towards the lounge and indoor garden. The design features comfortable seating with home-like textures and finishes to create a welcoming environment for clients. Handrails, room signage, and camouflage doors assist in wayfinding while preventing clients from wandering in staff areas.
This sketch illustrates the quiet nooks, which allow occupants to spend some downtime while engaging in peaceful activities. The use of wood laminate adds warmth to the space, while pink and teal create a calming environment. Moreover, an interactive mural of Burlington Park promotes healthy physical movements through connections with nature.
D E S I G N P R O D U C T
FLOOR PLAN
KEY AREA 1: INDOOR GARDEN
The indoor garden is designed to improve a person's overall well-being while connecting them with nature. To create a healing environment that would encourage socialization and engagement, it has wheelchair-accessible planters for horticulture, flexible seating options to promote choice, and greenery to provide visual, tactile, and olfactory stimulation. The ceiling design also features tunable white lighting and a sky ceiling panel to improve occupant alertness and circadian rhythms through sunrise-to-sunset biomimicry.
The facility's indoor garden promotes calmness and relaxation through the use of earth tones, such as blue, green, and brown. The repetitive use of wood adds warmth while also creating a sense of unity.
KEY AREA 2: KITCHEN & DINING ROOM
Due to its stimulating nature, cooking has cognitive and emotional health benefits, which can relieve stress and improve feelings of self-worth among dementia patients. Designed with accessibility in mind, the facility's kitchen accommodates cooking classes under the supervision of a trained chef. It follows the requirements of the WELL Standard N07, while providing an opportunity for clients to connect through meaningful food-related activities.
Having the kitchen and dining room adjacent to one another creates an exhibition dining experience, allowing clients the choice to view the cooking process without being involved.
QUIET NOOKS
Acoustic seating nooks with adjustable lighting provide a comfortable place to relax while minimizing nearby noises. They also feature built-in shelving to store books and fidget gadgets, which help reduce stress. Interactive activities, such as an apple-picking mural and a bead maze, promote healthy physical movements and confidence through connections with nature.