Surbhi S. Ghodke – Student

Designing a dementia care center in Goa, India, presents a unique challenge due to the increasing prevalence of dementia in India, particularly in rural areas. This project aims to create a people-centered environment that promotes physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being for patients with dementia. Incorporating natural light is a primary focus to aid healing and wayfinding. The design draws inspiration from traditional Indian architectural elements such as courtyards, patios, jalis and verandahs. The campus is designed as a hierarchy of social spaces, including multiple courtyards with carrying levels of visual access to aid in wayfinding and promote social engagement.

The layout is organized from public to private areas, with care taken to create an environment of comfort and ease during the transition from a private home to a shared living environment. The tropical climate of Goa is taken into account, with large overhands, circular cutouts for plantations and water bodies for maintaining a cool environment during hot summers. Perforated brick facades and roofs of varying heights and shapes add visual interest to the design while respecting the surrounding context of vernacular architecture. Local materials like red laterite bricks and stone are used for paving and wall construction. The project aims to create an environment that provides a sense of belonging, personal dignity and purpose for individuals with dementia, their families and caregivers.