Date of Defense

4-28-2026

Date of Graduation

5-2026

Department

Art

First Advisor

Dustin Altschul

Second Advisor

Kimberly Buchholz

Third Advisor

Philip Repp

Abstract

The objective of this capstone project is to create a foundation for vibrant community interactions and connections that support those living with Alzheimer’s disease, their loved ones, and the broader members of the community through interior design. This work is relevant because Alzheimer’s disease affects 1 in 9 people over the age of sixty-five worldwide. Without a cure, as people continue to age, there is going to be a constant need for development of care. Additionally, design should go a step further than healthy living and begin to prioritize creating a vibrant life and community integration for those living with Alzheimer’s as well as the people around them. By situating the project within this context, the research establishes why the work matters now and how it can advance contemporary design practice.

The goal for the end of this research is to design a building that will facilitate the diverse interactions of those with Alzheimer’s Disease with each other, their loved ones, and the broader public.

To guide this exploration, the inquiry-based framework draws from evidence-based design, cultural inquiry, comparative analysis, and expert interviews. These approaches support the development of specialized knowledge through methods such as analyzing existing literature and precedents, gaining expert insights through interviews and group discussions, and comparative analysis of different scales of the built environment.

This research proves a need for permanent public spaces designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease. To facilitate social vibrancy, spaces must be able to provide connection, community, safety, accessibility, and belonging. These principles are applied to a hypothetical community center designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease, their caregivers, loved ones, and the broader public to coexist and interact safely. Strategic spatial layouts create a design that is able to prioritize the independence of the user while ensuring safety at all times. Additionally, through the placement of activity, respite, learning, and social spaces, the design is able to create the opportunity for diversity of interactions for all individuals, as well as provide support whenever it is needed.

Overall, prioritizing the inclusion of those with Alzheimer’s disease in society is beneficial for all communities. With strategic design practices interior design can act as a facilitator of social vibrancy, and community uplift.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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