Expanding design approaches to create supportive home environments for people with impeded cognitive functioning

Abstract

There is a growing field of research that indicates a significant relationship between the design of the environment and the mental health of people with impeded cognitive functioning. The research suggests that if a physical environment is experienced as having a sense-of-coherence it is a resource to help reduce negative impacts and increase supportive qualities for the resident so they can better cope under adversity. How can designers incorporate a sense-of-coherence in projects? This paper challenges some aspects of common design practice when accommodation for people with impeded cognitive functioning is being created. Also, it expands on what is known about the person–environment relationship to propose a design model that revolves around the idea that a sense-of-coherence has cognitive, behavioural, motivational and emotional dimensions. The model is used to create a tool that can be used by designers. A pilot test of the tool is carried out using two examples of supported accommodation occupied by people with schizophrenia. The tool created provides a practical way of enhancing the design of the physical home environment. The paper suggests the future potential of the tool as well as some limitations.