Service Thinking in Architectural Design for Dementia in the Finnish Context

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Dementia Care
• Architecture and Urban Planning
• Service Design and Systems Thinking

Background:

• Dementia care is shifting towards human-centered, community-based models, emphasizing aging in place.
• Traditional Finnish public systems and architecture create barriers to aging in place for individuals with dementia.
• Existing architectural and service models require significant transformation to support independent living.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose the application of service architecture for designing environments that support aging in place for people with dementia.
• To transform traditional care systems through a user-centered, systemic approach to spatial and service design.
• To explore co-creation opportunities with people with dementia and other stakeholders.

Main Methods:

• Applied the concept of service architecture to design environments and services for aging in place.
• Conducted case studies in Finnish municipalities to define elements of the architectural solution.
• Developed new spatial and service programming through a user-centered, systemic approach.

Main Results:

• Identified an architectural solution comprising a network of spaces for living, care, and connection.
• Defined spatial and service programming elements through case studies in Finnish municipalities.
• Demonstrated the potential of service architecture to create a paradigm shift in dementia care systems.

Conclusions:

• The proposed service architecture and integrated spatial/service design can transform dementia care systems.
• This approach enables seniors experiencing memory decline to remain in their homes, supporting aging in place.
• Co-creation and a user-centered systemic approach are crucial for successful transformation.