Milena Ivova Sharkova Academic Portfolio 2019/2020
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CONTENTS
TERM
1
Introduction
Illustrated Reflective Report
4
Charette Week
6
Primer
8
Fild Trip
30
Case Study Page
32
TERM
CO NT ENT S
Staging
34
Thinking through Making Week
68
Realization
72
Synthesis
87
Cultural Biblioraphy Apendix References
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Legend: New pieces Modified and refined
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Illus t ra t e d R e f le c t iv e Rep o rt Studying Stage 3 Architecture has proven to be very challenging but at the same time really rewarding. Taking on the studio “House of Memories” I realized the importance of holistic design, design made to aid people in their healing. This principle is especially important in dementia care homes, where people lose touch with reality and are away from their family and friends. This is why I was really interested in creating a home away from home for people with dementia. Our studio was tasked to create a dementia care ward with intergenerational activity spaces. Beginning with the Primer, my group and I were interested in creating a Sensory Pod which could benefit patients, relatives and staff. We understood that it is essential for patients to be mentally engaged and have their memory triggered by familiar cues. The curved wall is essential to the overall concept of my project as we learned that sharp edges can also trigger anxiety in patients. In the pod, we incorporated a sensory game, planting activities, reading activities and listening to audio books and stories. In the staging process, we were required to design a single patient room. From the readings we did and the IESVE simulation software, I understood the importance of sunlight and daylight. Those softwares helped me build my design and take important decisions for massing and landscape design. Based on the IESVE simulations, I tried different types and sizes of windows in order to allow for more daylight, while reducing glare and sharp shadows. It is also key to keep dementia patients’ brains engaged in order to reduce anxiety. Closed off rooms without meaningful views can cause more damage to the brain and worsen patients’ conditions. Hence, I started thinking of creating a bigger courtyard which could be used only by patients and provide views to the outer green area but also give them the opportunity to go to this courtyard on their own. As already mentioned, intergenerational communication is also another way of stimulating patients’ brain activity. In the right spaces and circumstances it provides meaningful experience for both children and patients. With all this into consideration, I challenged myself to design a long-term dementia care unit with a children’s library for intergenerational activity space. Based on our research during the primer, I thought that reading well-known tales and books can trigger patients’ memory while incorporating a meaningful intergenerational activity. Playing audio book and recordings of patients’ family stories is part of the activities undertaken in the library as well. In the intial phase I set some designing priorities.With regards to the dementia ward they are in the following order: firstly, organize the programe to avoid noise disturbance, thus placing the rooms on the east, away from brighton grove. The residences should be arranged in overall housing units that support social life, easy wayfinding and cues to spaces. No rooms are to have only daylight from the north. All rooms should have a visual connection to a green area. In the overall shape of the dementia ward, I have attempted to stick to more conventional orthogonal shapes in order to create more familiar environments. In contrast the design of the Library, I have incorporated the curved elements investigated in the Primer and Staging. This is in order to reduce anxiety from sharp edges in the place that might become busy and overwhelming for patients. Passive surveillance is also important for the dementia ward - the courtyard can be watched by the staff positioned inside the common dining and living spaces. The corridors can also be surveilled by staff from the two nursing stations. The site topography allowed me to utilise it in order to built into the ground and take advantage of the change in levels. The east side of the terrain is less built upon and, as of now, it serves as a parking area. Therefore, the dementia ward as looked from the west looks as a one-storey building merging with the topography of the area while the east side of the site is more built up and, therefore, I placed the taller looking elements on the east. In the initial stages of the design I tried to stick to the context which existed before the buildings were demolished. It also had 2 courtayrds and, thus, I am respecting the context that existed before. One constrain was the inability to cross between brighton grove to the other road. Initially, one had to go all the way around in order to access the hospital and university buildings. The proposed landscape design and change in levels serves to create a connection between the two of them. Therefore, in the design, I also challenge the transition between public and private. The two courtyards significantly differ in landscape design. The public courtyard includes different zones for planting, seating, games and intergenerational outdoor activities. This public courtyard can be accessed via the activity spaces on the ground floor which are accessible via the ramp from the first floor. The ramp is an element which encourages physical activity in patients. Dementia patients tend to avoid physical activities due to fear of being uncomfortable or cold when going outside. Hence, the ramp provides an internal circulation space between the first and ground floor. The corridor provides a well-lit environment and incorporates reading and sitting niches for resting. The private courtyard contains fewer outdoor activities and common furniture as its main aim is to provide a green outdoor area for patients, where they can go on their own while being passively surveilled from the common area. Both courtayrds are enclosed in order to reduce the risk of patients wandering away. The public courtyard is to be used by patients accompanied by relatives or staff. Regarding the intergenerational main space, I challenged myself to look for a way that a library can attract children to visit it. Therefore, I decided to explore the library as a concept of a tree house. This was possible by designing tree-like columns, which result in the overall tectonic qualities of the building. The opening in the floor allows for more daylight to get into the ground floor of the building but it also enhances the element of a tree house symbol. The furniture is arranged in such a way that patients and children can sit around the trees and listen to audio books together or read together. The building is constructed through glulam post and beam construction. The columns in the library and around the building incorporate a drainage tube which leads the rainwater towards a water tank where the water can be filtered and reused in the building. The shape of the roof allows for solar panels to be blaced on the south and west panels of the roof, thus, maximisng the solar exposure. With regards to the landscape design, I have used ENVI-met as a simulation software to simulate the micro climate of the building. From the simulation, it is observable that the wind is accelerated with the previous arrangement of the buildings but, with the current landscape design, the wind is slowed down by the tree-like canopies on the public area and the trees
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Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
 Charette Week
Ch a re t t e We e k During Charette week, we were looking into the way people perceive public spaces. The Charette was influenced by the increasing number of high-street shop closures and the changing nature of the high street. As a group we were examining the way public moves around the spaces, what trace they leave behind them and how each person changes the dynamics of the public space. We initiated the week by observing and drawing inspirations from the Northumberland Street in Newcastle city center.
Fig.Group collage of bus used as a shelter for homeless people.
Fig.Photograph of people navigating in space blinfolded.
The first days we were sketching and collecting items we could find on the main street. This items varies from litter to little hand-made postcards. All of this was giving us clues of what kind of people are using the space. The litter from candy bars indicated that a lot of children pass through their. Sleeping bags and cardboards for siting raised the issue of homelessness in the area. Sketching students queuing in coffee shops indicated that students had returned to the city. In the next days we were discussing the difference of space to each of this groups. Our Charette group realized that the high street is the most hostile to people with disabilities. Therefore we simulated different situation of how an healthy person would feel in the public space if he is disabled. Fig.Photograpf of people occupying the space in wheelchair.
Charette
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Field Trip
Fig.Group collage of bus used as a shelter for homeless people.
Staging
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Realization
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Fig.Photograph of the protest
Fig.Photograph of the protest
Fig.Photograph of the protest
For the Charette show we decided to create a small protest and raise awareness to the issues which we looked at the week. Moreover, we invited visitors to experience first hand what is like to be disabled person in out campus. This was possible by putting them in a wheelchair or blindfolding them. All of the issues raised in the Charette week presented the growing challenge of diverse public spaces and inclusivity of all people in it.
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
 Primer
PRI MER The first stage of the project was the Primer where we were tasked tocrate a 1:1 Sensory pod for people with dementia. The aim was to design an intergenerational space for patients which can reduce their anxiety and trigger their memory by providing various sensory experiences. To understand the needs of patients better we undertook a thorough research on dementia and ward dseign. Therefore our initial ideas revolved around planting which can be very beneficial for people with dementia and can also be undertaken in various ways by people in different stages of dementia.
Charette
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When the Body Outlives the Memories
The Alzheimer ’s Society describes dementia as a set of symptoms that may include memory loss, but
al s o d iff ic u lt ie s wit h t h in k in g , p r o b le m -so l vi n g , o r l a n g u a g e . Oth e r sym p to m s i n cl u d e ch a n g e s i n moo d , m e a n in g p a t ie n t s b e c o m e e a s ily f r u str a te d , i r r i ta b l e , o r a n xi o u s – th i s ca n a ffe ct th e w a ys i n w hi c h d e m e n t ia p a t ie n t s in t e r a c t wit h t ho se a r o u n d th e m , w h i ch ca n b e d i str e ssi n g fo r b o th p a r ti e s. S uc c e s s f u l d e s ig n t h e r e f o r e h e lp s t o a llevi a te th e se sym p to m s, m a ki n g th e su r r o u n d i n g e n vi r o n m e n t l es s c h a lle n g in g a n d m o r e s u it a b le . A g r o u p vi si t to M o n kw e a r m o u th H o sp i ta l to se e th e R o ke r a n d Mow b r a y Ca r e Wa r d h e lp e d in s p ir e o ur se n so r y p o d s fu r th e r, a s w e sa w fi r st- h a n d h o w g o o d , s tro n g ,
and
s im p le
d e s ig n
d e c is io n s
m a ke
l i fe
e a si e r
fo r
th o se
a ffe cte d
w i th
d e m e n ti a .
O u r P r im e r wo r k h a s g iv e n u s t h e o pp o r tu n i ty to e xp e r i m e n t a n d e xp l o r e fo u r d e si g n p o ssi b i l i ti e s
l i nk e d t o o u r e v o lv in g u n d e r s t a n d in g of d e m e n ti a . In d e si g n i n g th e se se n so r y p o d s, w e a i m to ex p o s e t h o s e a ff e c t e d t o a v a r ie t y o f s e n so r y e xp e r i e n ce s – fo r e xa m p l e , ta cti l e , vi su a l , a n d o l fa cto r y – wh ic h c a n h e lp s lo w- d o wn t h e p r o g r essi o n o f th e d i se a se . In th e l o n g r u n , th i s h e l p s to ke e p pati e n t s e n t e r t a in e d , a c t iv e , a n d le s s ag i ta te d
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A ll o f o u r r e s e a r c h h a s t h e r e f o r e le d to th e cr e a ti o n o f o u r stu d i o m a n i fe sto ( w h i ch ca n b e se e n o n
the p o we r p o in t b e h in d ) . Ho m e n o t h o s p ita l ; i n te r - g e n e r a ti o n a l e xch a n g e s a r e ke y; d e si g n to d i g n i fy; fam ilia r it y is y o u r f r ie n d
;
C ur r e n t ly, t h e r e is n o c u r e f o r d e m e n t ia r e l a te d i l l n e sse s – a cti o n ca n o n l y b e ta ke n to h e l p sl o w th e dev e lo p m e n t . A p e r s o n - c e n t r e d d e s ig n a p p r o a ch ca n h e l p d i g n i fy th e l i ve s o f th o se a ffe cte d b y dem e n t ia – t h is c a n t a k e m a n y f o r m s , a s se e n h e r e to d a y w i th o u r fo u r p o d s, w h i ch a r e d i ffe r e n t i n app r o a c h y e t s t ill h a v e t h e s a m e f u n c t io n
.
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Pr i mer R e a dings
Health Building Note 08-02 provided a set of initial design requirements specifically made to suite people with dementia disease. As the cognitive abilities reduces with the age, the principles are produced to assist patients and encourage their Independence. “People living with dementia can often face difficulties with sensory overstimulation.. But at the same time lack of enough simulation can cause apathy, agitation and confusion.”(Department of Health, 2015). Sensory stimulation is especially important during the later stages of dementia, when it may not be possible to process information or communicate through words . The book provides guidance on lighting, scale( non-institutional), orientation,way-finding, access to outdoors, socializing with staff and visitors and promoting privacy and dignity. This document provided the core guidelines of the project which would then be challenged and build uponfor the specifficities of the project.
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Learning,resembling,feeling- three aspacts which make a successful space. (Feddersen, E. & Lüdtke, I. ,2014) This book has aided in understanding dementia in a more humanized and personal level. The author analysis the disease, its implications on the person and its family. “When as designers we are called upon to imagine rooms that provide orientation and help people feel safe and happy, we therefore need consider a plethora of individual spatial characteristics that together create the
desired impression “ (Feddersen, E. & Lüdtke, I. ,2014) “In architectural terms, this means rooms with a clear composition that can be percieved at a glance. But for a room to truly evoke a particulat feeling, requires the orchestration of a whole collection os specific sensory impressions.” (Feddersen, E. & Lüdtke, I. ,2014) “The trend towards more sustainable architecture wuth ecologically-friendly and healthy building materials and naturally regulatedindoor air climate has a much better chance of creating such conditions than the technically controlled environments.”Feddersen, E. & Lüdtke, I. ,2014) This quotes from the book underlay the improtance of sensorystimulation and personalization of the spaces.It shows that architecture must be clear and legible so that patients can decide which space best meets their emotinal requirements.
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This book built on my knowledge about dementia environments and the importance of incorporating planting as anactivity which can trigger person’s primitive memories of cultivating the soil. “ Nature can be brought indoors by providing natural elements or nature-based activities.” Chalfont, G. (2008) “Residents can also assist in caring for houseplants if encouraged and supported in doing so, which may contribute to their sense of feeling at home by giving them a useful role. The Eden Alternative creates a spontaneous environment and opportunities to care for other living things by incorporating animals, plants and children into the culture of a nursing home (Weinstein 1998). Caring for plants can also be a way to enhance family visits by sharing anactivity thatmay have been meaningful in the past.”
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Chalfont, G. (2008)
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This document outlines clearly different challenges for patients in relation to interior design fixtures and planning of spaces .
In the chapter about elderly centre, this books provides reaserch and drawn guidelines fromthis research and case studies situated in Germany.
This research paper broadened my knowledge on hte influence of the physical environment on dementia patients.
Key points: “People with sight impairment and dementia need a lot of light, combined with contrasting tones (rather than colour itself) to ensure objects are visible.” Dementia Service Development Centre: University of Stirling, (2013)
In German-speaking countries, the residential care of elderly people has changed tremendously in recent decades—and thus also the planning and design of residential care facilities. Modern care concepts and architectural spatial planning are no longer based on the hospital model, but rather on the individual requirements of the elderly as well as the increasing number of people suffering from dementia.
“Olfactory impairment is seen in many neurodegenerative conditions, but it has been shown that those with dementia have particular difficulties with the recognition and identification of odours rather than the detection, suggesting a link to impairment of higher cognitive function.” Hamza N (2017)
“Lighting levels for older people in general (regardless of whether they have dementia or not) should be twice those required for a younger person. Before considering artificial light, every effort should be made to let in as much natural light as possible.” Dementia Service Development Centre: University of Stirling, (2013) People with hearing impairment and dementia need a quiet environmen t with extra attention paid to acoustics .
“The purpose of the care home was to emphasize meaningful activities and quality of life; Typically occurring behavioral dysfunctions, like anxiety, agitation, aggression, and apathy, as well as social withdrawal and psychotic symptoms, can be reduced by specific design elements.” Wilhelm, J.J. & Battisto, D. (2020)
It is found that easy access to outside space reduced aggressive behaviour.
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Primer INITIAL SKETCHES
Fig.Sketch take from sketchbook of dementia sensory pod.
Fig.Sketch take from sketchbook of dementia sensory pod.
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 Primer
DEVELOPMENT Our main objective was to include as many human senses as possible without overstimulation patients. CHoosing to recreate and outdoor area inside is base on the reading and research whichindicates the resistance of elderly to go outside as they fear they will be cold.
Initial Concept Models of Sensory
1:50 cutout of the construction of the game wall.
Nature is part of human nature and therefore is something which most elderly will relate is a specific matter.
Initial Concept Model of sensory wall.
1:50 model of the structure of curved wall.
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1:50 model of the sensory pod;
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DESIGN PROCESS
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 Primer
The construction is made out of timber studs . Wherever possible we have reused old timber as it was used for the main structure which then we covered with veneer timbe pieces. The frame of the curved wall was cut on the CNC machine and them the table and the seat were added with the support of steel brackets. Initially the walls were covered in white wallpaper but this proved to be not very durable adn theredore we decided to use veneer timber sheets.
Construction of the game wall
Construction of the game wall
Construction of the curved wall
Construction of the game wall
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Box Construction
Texture Boz Mockup
Box Construction Sketches
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Box with rotating meachanism
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Atmoshperic COllage created by Niamh Lyons
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Senosry Pod #D
Sensory pod plan
Plan and sections Sensory Pod Section
Sensory Pod Section
Primer “What role do textures and light play in how they interact with colour? F. Tebbe: Light and the surface on which it falls must be considered
in conjunction with one another as they both play an important role in how colours appear and thus the impression they make. A red glass surface does not look the same as a red fabric curtain. Although essentially one and “the same” colour, they are perceived quite differently due to the different textures. A change in texture gives a colour a different energy, and can be used to create shifting landscapes of colour. There are lots of different ways in which one can play with the changeability of colours in the design of interiors.” (Feddersen, E. & Lüdtke, I. ,2014)
Photograph of texture boxes
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PRI MER EXHI BI T I O N
Installation created by Cheng WU Teo
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Planting Planting area in the dementia pod stimulates patient’s touch. Depending on the three stages of dementia, patients can undertake the whole activity assissted by staff, undertake part of the activity: water the plant, clean the leaves, or for latest stage of dementia- just enjoy the texture of soil or sorting out bulbs. Planting area can also stimulate the olfactury senses as patients can smell fthe flowers . Usually with age, this sense deteriorates and therefore, we have added aromati wall dispensers whichare hidden below the table, away from the reachof patients. Sigh can also be triggered by enjoying the live plants and flowers. Greenry and outdoor environments significantly improve patients mood when agitated. Fig.Planting area
This activity encourages socialization and decreases apathy. Volunteers from the local communities can aid patients with planting. Such meaningful activities also encourage family visits.
Reading Triggering patient’s memory by visual cues from the past.
Interacting with planting
Fig.Planting area
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As dementia patients often loose memory of current events, we decided to give them the opportunity to remember important events from the past. Therefore, we decided to incorporate newspapers from various years with different important events. This increases socialization between patients and staff
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Fig. Textured Game interaction
Fig. Textured Game interaction
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Fig.Sensory game
The sensory game takes patient’s back to their primitive sensations of natural materials. Different texture from the nature can be put, replaced, making the cleaning of the game easier.
Different smells are incorporated where possible, so when patients touch the grass they can then smell the leaves and plants.
The Sensory texture game engages the mind and decreases agitation levels. It provides meaningful activities and encourages patients to sort out the cubes in rows of the same texture category.
This game is a great way for intergenerationalcommuunicationas both children and patient can enjoy it together.
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Interacting with the wall
 Primer
Space for relatives and staff
The outside are of the pod is specifically made as a seating area for patients and staff, where nurses can talk to patients and understand their needs. Therefore, this is the place where staff would keep interview posters with the patients made on their acceptance in the dementia center. This would allow nurses to personalize the experience based on previous occupation and life style
This area also provides information about dementia to patient’s family and realtives. As a disease which influences to whole family, support for the relatives is also very important .
Fig. Listening to stories outside the pod Date and time
Wayfinding and time orientation is essential. Therefore, clear signage showing the date and place help with temporal and spatial orientation.
Fig. Listening to stories outside the pod
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Fig.Outside the sensory pod
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People using the space together
Projection of different sceneries are displayed in the dementia pod, therefore making it more therapeutic. It can change depending on the preferences.
Alongside the projection, a supplementary audio sounds will be played depending on the scenery and person’s preferences.
See it here:
In order to represent the construction sequencing and the space, I had the chance to learn how to usethe software programme Blender and create an animation of the sensory pod.
https://youtu.be/2h4PMupTiHA
 Field Trip
Nordic Embassies material exploration
Berling Field Trip During the field trip we visited Berlin where we analyzed buildings of varipus typologies. What influenced me themost during the visits is the sustainability consideration towards building. We learnt a lot about double skin facade technology, sustainable heating and lighting.
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Chapel of Reconciliation Exploration
As a result of the Berlin field trip, I challenged myself to include in my desing as many sustainability factors as the site allows. I started thinking of different materials I can use.
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
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Case Stu d y As part of the field trip, we were required to work in groups and create a case study report on a building we visited. The Dutch Embassy in Berlin was essential for my understanding of space. The techniques Rem Koolhaas has used are very applicable for spaces inhabited by people with dementia. In the Dutch Embassy, he has carefully crafted various kind of spaces, each one with its own uniqueness. This is a technique which should be applied when designing for people with dementia. Colour coding,framing views of familiar buildings and creating different atmosphere in the spaces is what I will be taking with me into the design process.
Revisited :Koolhaas uses a platform to occupy the four corners of theplot and at the same time create a boundry between the embassy and the road.In the same way inmy project I have elevated the irst floor about the walking path.
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
 Staging
Staging The first stage of the project was the Primer where we were tasked tocrate a 1:1 Sensory pod for people with dementia. The aim was to design an intergenerational space for patients which can reduce their anxiety and trigger their memory by providing various sensory experiences. To understand the needs of patients better we undertook a thorough research on dementia and ward dseign. Therefore our initial ideas revolved around planting which can be very beneficial for people with dementia and can also be undertaken in various ways by people in different stages of dementia.
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The most general of these is the ability of people with dementia to participate in normal life. Participation in this context means much more than social integration. It denotes the possibility to actively contribute to and shape the social environment, to interact with and speak with other people, and to feel jointly responsible that the social environment be as open as possible to the individual personalities of people with dementia, to their specific forms of competence p.57-60v
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
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Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
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DESIGN APPROACH
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PROGRAMME
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
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Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
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Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
 Staging
IESVE LIGHTING SIMULATION "Providing effective lighting will increase residents confidence, increase activity levels, support the ability to perform tasks independently and help them feel generally more comfortable in their surroundings."
Fig. Lux levels in July 23rd.
Fig. Lux levels in December 21st
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IESVE LIGHTING SIMULATION
Fig. Lux level on the North
Fig. Lux level on the West
Average LUX levels in the summer (23rd of July): 245.81Lux Average LUX levels in the winter (21st of December): 88.86 Lux
Fig. Lux level on the North
Fig. Glaring levels in the winter
Fig. Glaring ilevels n the summer
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
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BEDROOM 1:25 DRAWING
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
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Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
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F u rn i tu re
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Staging Rooms for people with dementia require detailed attention to the smallest details. Therefore I emarked to design furniture compatible with the requirements. The wardrobe consists of open compartment where staff can prepare patient’s clothes for the next day as that will give the cue in the morning. The storage units has to be semi-opened so that patients can see what is in them.
The materials of the handles and the wardrobe surface has to be constrasting for easier recognizability. Above the dresser ,there is a mirror which can be opened or closed,regarding patient’s preferences.
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Staging
TH E RO O M
RENDERS
Fig. Render of the patient’s room
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Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
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Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
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WIDER CONTEXT
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St ag i n g The site is located in Fenham, whichis a neighbourhood close to Newcastle city centre rings. Fenham In the boundries of the site lay the abandoned buildings of Newcastle General Hospital which has a long hisory going back to 18th century. The area is heavily built on the east side and the plots adjacent to it on the west are used for parking.
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
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SITE ANALYSIS
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Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
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Proposed Dementia Ward Building Simulation
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Existing Building Simulation
Using the SImulation Software Envi-met. I was able to determine the micro-climate of the area. One challenge was that there is a change in tlevelbut the software doesn’tallow to make the exact topography. Evident from the maps, the preveiling winds come from the south-west and they are accelerated as a result of the empty spots on the west. This area required a landscape desing consideration to improve the microclimate.
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
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SITE SECTIONS
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Staging  The first stage of the project was the Primer where we were tasked tocrate a 1:1 Sensory pod for people with dementia. The aim was to design an intergenerational space for patients which can reduce their anxiety and trigger their memory by providing various sensory experiences. To understand the needs of patients better we undertook a thorough research on dementia and ward dseign. Therefore our initial ideas revolved around planting which can be very beneficial for people with dementia and can also be undertaken in various ways by people in different stages of dementia.
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Staging
ENVIRONMENTALVFRATURES
Primer
Field Trip
Staging
TTMW
Realization
Synthesis
ENVIRONMENTALVFRATURES
Staging
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
 Staging
Layering the site analysis in a model made me think of the importance of elements which make up the site. First the Buildings whichhad to be determined whether to ablosh or not. Then the roads and pathwalks, and finally all other site specificities such as parking area or bus stops.
Primer
Field Trip
Staging
TTMW
1:1000 Site model: Building
Realization
Synthesis
Staging 
1:1000 Site model: Building with roads
1:1000 Site model: Building with roads
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
THINKING THROUGH MAKING WEEK
During Thinking through making Week we were required to use the workshop and create something which would incourage us to thinkabout textures and materials. As I am designing a dementia ward, I decided that it is best if I endevour to create a handrail which can be insorporated throughout the wards.
Fig. Render of the patient’s room
Thinking through making Exhibition
Application of the handrail
Initially, I came up with two ideeas of what I can create during the week. The first idea was inspired by the date sign in Roker and Mowbry Dementia Ward whichwe had visited. Instead of printing and changing the date every day, nurses can use a perpetual calender.
The idea which I executed was inspired by the field trip in Berlin. A handrail like the one in Neues Museum prevents the risk of strangling.
Initial idea of perpetual calendar
Initial idea of perpetual calendar
Neues Museum Berlin
Handrail idea model
Photograph of Roker and Mowvry Dementia ward
Photograph of Roker and Mowbry dementia centre
Photograph of Neues Museum Berlin
Assembling the cast
Pouring the concrete mixture
Taking off the cast after 2 days
Concrete cast has broken as it was too thick In the process I learnt that my cast was too thick to dry so quickly and I should have put mesh reinforcement to hold the wall.
Milena Sharkova
Dementia Friendly Handrail
Concrete infused eith unrecyclable plastic pieces and timber
Replacing the concrete wall withwooden wall with lights
The dementia friendly handrail provides safety and security for the patients and eliminating the risk of straggling themselves by incorporating the handrail into the wall. The wooden handle is designed to be suitable for elderly people’s hands and is fitted onto the concrete cast. The timber wall at the back has a gap where lights are fitted so dementia patients can navigate themselves easier in the corridors where the handle will be positioned. I experimented with concrete casted with plastic to create more colourful looking concrete which is also sustainable by using unrecyclable plastic.
Drilling holes through the concrete in order to attach the wooden part
Polishing the concrete
Photograph of the model
Photograph of the model
Photograph of the model
Photograph of the model

Realization
REALIZATION
In the Reazlization Stage we were required to create first iterations of the design. Considering the site challenges and the brief which we have developed.
Primer
Field Trip
Staging
TTMW
Realization
Synthesis
Realization
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova

Realization
First Itereation of the massing: Keeping the context layout by providing the big courtyard.
Primer
Field Trip
Second iteration of the massing: Creating public courtyard and a private courtyard for patients.
Staging
TTMW
Third Iteration: Testing out Curved walls inspired by the Primer sensory pod.
Realization
Synthesis
Realization 
Dividing the private courtayrd berween the female and male ward
Creating cutouts in the outline in order to provide public spaces for the community and attract people in the library.
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Realization
Sun Path Analysis of the Last Massing Iteration
Primer
Field Trip
Staging
TTMW
Realization
Synthesis
Realization 
Thermal Comfort of a 67 year old female v
Overlaying the shadows in order to analyze how mych the buildingon the southis overshadowing it
The Bio-Met Comfort levels inthe building are not very good. Therefore more protection has to prevent that.
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova

Realization
Massing environmental analysis
Primer
Field Trip
Staging
TTMW
Realization
Synthesis
Realization
Plans for Realization Review
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Realization
Plans for Realization Review Primer
Field Trip
Staging
TTMW
Realization
Synthesis
Realization
Plans for Realization Review
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Realization PROGRAMME DETAILS.
Sections for Realization Review
Primer
Field Trip
Staging
TTMW
Realization
Synthesis
Realization
ENVI-MET DESIGN SIMULATION
Proposed Dementia Ward Building Simulation
PROGRAMME DETAILS.
Existing Building Simulation
The simulationshows improvement of the micro-climate around the new proposed building. However, if a playground is built it needs mode vegetation toprevent the wind in the circle.
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Realization
Reception view at entrance. Primer
Field Trip
Staging
TTMW
Realization
Synthesis
Realization 
Tree structure for the building.
Tree structure for the building
Tree structure for the building
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Realization
FO REST OF M E MORIE S
Primer
Field Trip
Staging
TTMW
Realization
Synthesis
Realization 
3D view overlaid in context.
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
1:1000 PLAN
1:500 PLAN perespective
Staging
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
site plans
1:100 FIRST FLOOR
Daylight simulation of the building
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Daylight simulation of the building
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
1:100 Section
Staging
Library Render Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Staging
1:200 Elevations
Primer
Field Trip
Staging
TTMW
Realization
Synthesis
1:100 Section
Staging
Landscape Design
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Renderings
Renderings
Renderings
Renderings
Renderings
3D Maaing
3D Maaing
Field Trip
Patients Pathway through building Primer
Field Trip
Staging
TTMW
Realization
Synthesis
Field Trip
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Field Trip
Library Section
Primer
Field Trip
Staging
TTMW
Realization
Synthesis
Field Trip
Entrance
Public Pathway through building
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Field Trip
Primer
Field Trip
Staging
TTMW
Realization
Synthesis
CULTURAL BIBLIOGRAPHY
Field Trip
In February I attended the Trada competition where I learnt more about working with wood whichhelped me in my design decision
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Field Trip
APENDIX
Primer
Field Trip
Staging
TTMW
Realization
Synthesis
Field Trip
Academic Portfolio 2019/2020 | Milena Sharkova
Field Trip
[1] Dementia, Design and Technology : Time to Get Involved, ed. Britt Östlund Päivi Topo, vol. 24, Assistive Technology Research Series (2009). [2] G. Marquardt and P. Schmieg, “Dementia-Friendly Architecture: Environments That Facilitate Wayfinding in Nursing Homes,” Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 24, no. 4 (2009). [3] United Nations Enable, “Factsheet on Persons with Disabilities,” in Development and human rights for all, ed. Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (United Nations Secretariat). [4] Eckhard Feddersen, Lost in Space: Architecture and Dementia, ed. Insa Lüdtke (German National Library: Birkhauser Verlag, 2014). Department of Helath, 2015. Health Building Note 08-02 Dementia-Friendly Health And Social Care Environments. London: Department of Helath, p.26. Feddersen, E. & Lüdtke, I. (2014) 80 schw.-w. u. 320 farb. Abb. lost in space : Architecture and Dementia. Wilhelm, J.J. & Battisto, D. (2020) Architecture and health : guiding principles for practice. Chalfont, G. (2008) Includes bibliographical references and indexes. Design for nature in dementia care. London ; Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Dementia Service Development Centre: University of Stirling, (2013) , Improving the designof housing to assist people with dementia. University of Stirling Hamza N (2017).Reducing Agitation in Dementia Patients: A role for environmental design.In: 33rd International Conference Passive Low Energy Architecture PLEA 2017. 2017, Edinburgh, UK: Network for comfort and Energy Use in Buildings(NCEUB)
Primer
Field Trip
Staging
TTMW
Realization
Synthesis