In the Netherlands, population aging and double aging are leading to a significant increase in the number of people with dementia. At the same time, the healthcare sector is facing severe staff shortages, and current living conditions are often not aligned with the needs of this target group. This societal challenge forms the basis for the central research question: “How can insights from the Hogeweyk Care Concept and dementia-friendly architecture be used to develop a care and living environment for people with dementia in the Tarwewijk?”

This research has resulted in the development of design guidelines from three perspectives: architectural, care-related, and location-specific. These guidelines contribute to a holistic design that, on the one hand, improves the quality of life for people with dementia, and on the other hand, addresses the pressure on the healthcare sector. The design principles can be applied at various scales: from a dementia-friendly neighborhood that emphasizes social cohesion, to the room level, where a homely and recognizable environment is provided.

In addition to improving the formal care structure, the research also focuses on strengthening informal care. By designing with the aim of creating communities at the neighborhood and district level, mutual involvement is stimulated.