Process, Inspira Nursing Home | KDesign Stavanger

JOIN THE PROCESS

INSPIRA NURSING HOME

Problem Brief

I started this project by writing a brief to establish a clear direction and framework for the design, ensuring that all aspects of the residents' and caregivers' needs were well understood and addressed. The brief helped me define the project's goals, which are to create a space that can provide meaningful activities for the elderly while enhancing their well-being and quality of life.

A key part of the project is understanding the desires and needs of both the elderly and their caregivers. By leveraging previous research in this field, I aim to develop an environment that meets the expectations of those who will use it. The brief served as a tool to gather insights and ensure that the design not only meets practical needs but also creates a place where the elderly can feel at home, while offering opportunities for creative expression, social interaction, and physical activity.

Click here to read the complete brief

Part 1, Research

Here you can see the stakeholders. The key stakeholders are care organizations, doctors, therapists, nurses, families, and experts. The primary stakeholders are elderly individuals, while the secondary stakeholders are the politicians.

I interviewed nurses from various parts of the country to gain insight into daily life at nursing homes. This allowed for adaptation during the process and a deeper understanding of the subject. Human interaction helped capture emotions and attitudes. Secondary research was also conducted to support the findings and identify success stories to inspire future initiatives.

Here is an overview of the activities currently offered at two different nursing homes. The nursing home in Stavanger offers gardening, singing, devotion in the chapel, quizzes, a sensory garden, and a Bazaar. The nursing home in Bergen offers several of the same activities, such as gardening, singing, devotion, and Bazaar, as well as additional activities like dancing and movie nights.

Here you can see a chart showing the most significant reasons, based on my interviews, why activity offerings and creative zones are not offered or functioning to a large extent today

Here is some of the wishes and ideas for Inspira Nursing home from some of my stakeholders

The nurse in Bergen highlighted that the interior greatly affects the well-being of both patients and staff, mentioning a new nursing home in Bergen. Further research showed that new nursing homes won't solve problems if stakeholders' needs aren't addressed. When a nursing home feels foreign, it triggers a vicious cycle leading to poor well-being, mental imbalance, passivity, isolation, and loneliness. Breaking this cycle is crucial to improving the elderly's quality of life.

Dementia Choir - Success Story

"The Dementia Choir" from NRK shows how music can bring joy and a sense of belonging to people with dementia. One participant said, "When I sing, I feel free and happy, like the dementia disappears for a while."

The series has inspired nursing homes across Norway to implement similar activities, highlighting the importance of offering meaningful activities that bring purpose and joy to people with dementia.

I will create zones where residents can engage in meaningful activities, such as art, music, and gardening. A warm, harmonious color palette will replace the sterile hospital white, creating a cozy atmosphere. Social spaces, like a fireplace area, will encourage conversation. Nature will be integrated into the design and activities, improving well-being. The goal is to provide an environment that enhances quality of life.

Here are some of the materials I plan to use in the project, where I have written under each picture what they promote from a psychological perspective. These are colors and materials found in nature, with the goal of feeling like a breath of fresh air for the residents and staff.

Part 1, Prototype

Inspira Nursing Home is designed as a sanctuary for elderly residents, focusing on happiness and a meaningful daily life. With accommodations for ten residents and specialization in somatic care, Inspira aims to offer a homely, safe environment that promotes peace of mind and satisfaction.
The nursing home prioritizes creating an atmosphere where residents can participate in meaningful activities, maintain creativity, and form new relationships, contributing to their overall well-being.

Inspira is situated by the beautiful Mosvannet in Stavanger, providing lush surroundings and rich wildlife. This enhances residents' connection to nature and offers a peaceful backdrop for their daily activities.

The two-story layout of Inspira Nursing Home includes various zones for different activities. The ground floor houses essential living areas, while the second-floor features activity rooms and a spacious rooftop terrace with a greenhouse. This design fosters a sense of community and encourages outdoor gatherings, gardening, and other social activities.

The living room is thoughtfully divided into different zones based on feedback from nurses. A central cherry tree zone provides a natural touch and serves as a gathering point for reading and socializing. A separate fireplace zone offers space for quiet, meaningful conversations. The TV is placed in a separate room to minimize noise disturbances, ensuring a peaceful environment suitable for various activities.

The art room provides space for creative expression through painting, with adjustable easels that cater to residents of all physical abilities

The music room, inspired by the success of the dementia choir, offers a place for musical gatherings and performances, fostering joy and community among residents.

The roof top terrace, with its panoramic views and greenhouse, serves as a peaceful place for outdoor activities, barbecues, and family events. This space promotes connections among residents and offers opportunities for gardening and other shared interests.

The personal rooms are designed to resemble cozy apartments rather than institutional spaces. Each room includes a kitchenette, social area, storage space, wardrobe, bathroom, desk, and a small TV nook, easing the transition from home to nursing home and minimizing the sense of abrupt change.

Before and After

Part 2, User Testing and Reflection from Part 1

Click here to view the project's Miro board

Click here to return to the project