Alzheimer's Remediation Center: Architecture for Research Innovation and Treatment

Abstract

“Alzheimer’s Remediation Center: Architecture for Research Innovation and Treatment” addresses the question, “How can perceived spaces within a structure affect memory retention?” The Typology from which to examine this inquiry is best explored through design of an Alzheimer’s Research and Assisted Living Facility. The research will be guided by the assertion that Architecture can become an environment which triggers mental changes in its occupants, a tool which advances treatment and research of Alzheimer’s disease. The project justifies itself by the following: Making up a significant amount of the world’s population, the “baby boom generation” is coming of an age where many are being directly affected by Alzheimer’s disease and there is a shortage of personalized design for dementia patients. Scientists have limited tools with which to study this disease and projected Alzheimer’s rates are at a rise. This project proposes a building which patients inhabit as a research tool; one which temporarily remediates symptoms and provides researchers an environment to directly study the disease. The project location will be an off-site branch of the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota. Its location is on a nearby, under-utilized parking lot currently owned by the Mayo Clinic.