A purpose-built “Alzheimer’s Village” in the French commune of Dax will give residents the ability to roam free and go about their daily lives in a new approach to treating the disease. According to The Telegraph, residents will live in shared houses in four districts reminiscent of the southwestern French region.
The village is designed to look like a medieval-style bastide, which is common to the area and will help prevent patients from becoming disoriented. Designed by NORD Architects, the village will have a local shop, a hairdresser, restaurants, a cultural center, and a healthcare center. Additionally, volunteers will help to stage activities for the residents.
The idea behind the new design approach is that the freedom the design provides will allow patients to lead an almost normal village life and maintain their participation in a social life (which recent research has shown to be a strong factor in living longer, healthier lives).
Oslo Alzheimer's Village with CLT construction. Courtesy NORD Architects.
Plain-clothes medical staff will watch over the residents, who are confined to the village for their own safety, and researchers will conduct a study to see if this new style of care helps patients remain more active, require less medication, and live happier lives. In total, the village will support 120 Alzheimer’s residents, 100 live-in caregivers, and 120 volunteers.
NORD Architects is also working on an Alzheimer Village in Oslo, Norway and will use CLT to construct the project’s various buildings.
Related Stories
Healthcare Facilities | Jan 6, 2018
A new precision dental center embodies Columbia University’s latest direction for oral medicine education
The facility, which nests at “the core” of the university’s Medical Center, relies heavily on technology and big data.
Healthcare Facilities | Dec 19, 2017
‘Healing Oasis’ will provide healthcare services to veterans in northern California
Hoefer Wysocki designed the $40 million facility.
Healthcare Facilities | Dec 11, 2017
2018 predictions for healthcare facility design
From emergency departments to microhospitals, to the amenities in and locations of hospitals, the year ahead will see continued changes in how healthcare providers are designing and equipping their facilities.
Market Data | Dec 5, 2017
Top health systems engaged in $21 billion of U.S. construction projects
Largest active projects are by Sutter Health, New York Presbyterian, and Scripps Health.
Healthcare Facilities | Nov 30, 2017
Scope it out
How to design and build what’s needed to meet organizational goals and strategies.
University Buildings | Nov 28, 2017
FXFOWLE and CO Architects collaborate on Columbia University School of Nursing building
The building has a ‘collaboration ribbon’ that runs throughout the building.
Sponsored | Windows and Doors | Nov 21, 2017
Daylighting promotes healing and wellness at the Florida Hospital for Women at Orlando Campus
Growing research demonstrates that patients recover faster and better from illness or surgery in settings that offer abundant daylight and views to the outdoors.
Healthcare Facilities | Nov 6, 2017
Design isn’t enough to foster collaboration in healthcare and research spaces
A new Perkins Eastman white paper finds limited employee interaction at NYU Winthrop Hospital, a year after it opened.
Healthcare Facilities | Oct 25, 2017
Creating child-friendly healthcare spaces: Five goals for success
Children often accompany parents or grandparents in medical settings; what can we do to address their unique needs?
Greenbuild Report | Oct 23, 2017
NZE and carbon neutral
An Army hospital in the Mojave Desert sets a new bar for sustainable design.