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Phenomenology and Dementia: Towards Phenomenological Respite Within a Creative Therapy Guild

Part 2 Project 2019
Alice Hardy
University of Nottingham | UK
Phenomenology and Dementia: How might the embodiment of therapeutic phenomenological theory within a socially inclusive ‘healing-architecture’, improve the wellbeing of individuals with dementia?

This thesis questioned how a respite centre for individuals with dementia might be situated within an urban context, rejuvenating T.C. Hine’s James Alexander Warehouses to celebrate memory of place. Through critique of existing medical models of clinical architecture, interviews with experts in dementia care and analysis of case studies, including Peter Zumthor’s Apartments for Senior Citizens, a set of Heideggerian phenomenological tools were defined. The result combines residential care and creative therapy to integrate dementia residents with society, endeavouring to improve quality of life.

The proposal defines phenomenological dwelling for dementia residents within Nottingham’s Boots Island masterplan. Inspired by Lina Bo Bardi’s methods, T.C. Hine’s warehouses are ‘stripped to their raw tectonics’, whilst a programme of joy and optimism is inserted. Among this programme of insertions are the ‘Garden of Earthly Delights’, a sensory environment which inhabits the Great Northern Railway Warehouse, whilst a creative therapy Wunderkammer occupies the James Alexander Warehouse, where residents are invited to produce ‘creative talismans’ which are displayed for the public and residents alike, sparking conversation around this increasingly prevalent topic.

Alice Hardy

Tutor(s)
Tim Collett
Nick Haynes
2019
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