Developments of assisted living facilities for mentally disabled people from the interbellum period until present day
Towards the transition of assisted living facilities for mentally disabled people from healthcare institutions to a real home
B.E. van der Pijl (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
M.M. Teunissen – Mentor (TU Delft - Teachers of Practice / A)
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Abstract
Over the course of the 20th century, healthcare in general has seen many beneficial developments (e.g. medicine, procedures, hygiene etc.) However, when looking at assisted living facilities for mentally disabled people, a development towards an environment that largely resembles hospitals can be observed (den Duik 2015). Since the main purpose of these institutions is not to heal but to accommodate, the question arises how these institutes can strive to provide a real home for its inhabitants. This thesis presents several design considerations that may serve useful within the design process to aid into reaching this goal. These considerations are based on studying the Thomashuizen concept which was initiated by Hans van Putten with the same goal in mind. This concept is compared to the Rudolf Steiner clinic as a historical precedent from the interbellum period which is known to deviate from other historical conventional examples. After a thorough analysis, the concepts of scale, context, image and pragmatism were identified as aspects that could be considered when designing an institute that provides assisted living for mentally disabled people. A small scale may be adapted to provide a family community and more attention per inhabitant, the typologies of the farmhouse and the mansion complement this scale and fit into either the urban or rural context, while at the same time they carry the image of a home. Furthermore a pragmatic approach can be used to design space syntax in order to avoid complex interventions and thereby harming the overall image of a building.