This project was to design a housing facility for dementia patients. The concept revolves around the unification and integration of two natural elements, namely the relation between rivers and trees. In order to show the interconnection of micro-aspects and macro-aspects of the natural world. This was done by looking at the slender growth rings on a tree’s trunk, and also at large rivers, that can be seen from satellites. The comparison of something so small, and something so large together allowed me to create a space that focused on tiny details, but also on the greater picture.

River bifurcation and tree rings were utilized as design elements, and then modified to develop floor plans. The idea of rivers splitting into smaller streams (bifurcation) was used in the flooring and ceiling. The flooring was an abstracted depiction of rivers developing into smaller streams, and the ceiling was a reflection of that idea as well. This was modified into a form of way – finding, where the paths on the floor and ceiling lead people to separate spaces, using lights, colors, and other signage.

The curves of the tree rings was incorporated into the walls, and central space, in harmony with the flooring and ceiling. The walls of the central space is curved, allowing for a more organic and free space as well.  Nature-inspired colors were used, and have depicted the renders through the eyes of a person with dementia, or aging eyes. The colors chosen are shown as subdued, and are how a person in the residence will see the space, not how the majority of people would see the space.