2023 SHERIDAN COLLEGE HONOURS BACHELOR OF INTERIOR DESIGN

Saba Ali

BIO

Saba is an artistic individual with a keen eye for detail. She is passionate about combining function, aesthetics, and nature to create inclusive environments that enhance well-being. As a graduate, Saba is excited to learn more about residential and commercial design through real-life experiences.

Thesis Project

Sage Dementia Awareness & Day Program Centre

Sage is a dementia awareness and day program facility designed to educate dementia patients and their families about the condition, as well as offer treatment through adult day program activities. Through a home-like atmosphere with versatile spaces and an indoor garden, the facility aims to reduce the stigma around the medical condition by creating an inclusive community that will support one’s social, cognitive, and physical health and well-being to enhance their quality of life.

Preliminary

Dementia is a medical condition that affects the brain and is characterized by one’s cognitive decline. Despite the growing number of cases worldwide, the disease is often stigmatized due to a lack of understanding and awareness. According to the Alzheimer Society, reducing the stigma and supporting the emotional well-being and dignity of persons with dementia are the top research priorities in Canada. Sage is a dementia awareness and day program facility that offers educational services and adult day program activities. Located in Burlington, Ontario, the centre fills the city's gaps by providing a safe and stimulating environment for dementia patients and families. This is accomplished through coaching rooms, support group therapy, and program rooms to accommodate various activities. To minimize dementia symptoms, the facility creates a welcoming environment through a home-like atmosphere with biophilic design strategies. The design further supports client health through group and quiet settings, contrasting finishes, sound-absorbing materials, and open sightlines to promote independence. Overall, Sage allows clients to enhance their quality of life while making meaningful connections with others.

Process

Zone Development Diagram and Organization Sketch

Medium: Procreate

Description: The facility is divided into five different zones, including Social, Quiet, Service, Caregiver, and Staff Zone. In the organization sketch, the reception faces the elevators upon arrival. Following a dynamic approach, the plan creates asymmetrical balance through an inflected linear system that connects the different zones along the main central corridor, encouraging movement throughout the space. Radial balance occurs around the indoor garden, while closed spaces are mostly grouped along the right side of the floor space.

Block Plan

Medium: Procreate

Description: The block plan showcases all the areas within the facility. Most spaces within the social zone have an open-concept design to provide occupants with a sense of space while also encouraging movement. The areas within the quiet zone are more secluded to provide appropriate acoustic control and prevent the distribution of noises.

Enrichment Strategies

Medium: Procreate

Description: The first sketch illustrates the main corridor looking towards the lounge and indoor garden. The design features comfortable seating with home-like textures and finishes to create a welcoming environment for clients. Handrails, room signage, and camouflage doors assist in wayfinding while preventing clients from wandering in staff areas. The second sketch illustrates the quiet nooks, which allows occupants to spend some downtime while engaging in peaceful activities. The use of wood laminate adds warmth to the space, while pink and teal create a calming environment. Moreover, an interactive wall mural of Burlington Park promotes healthy physical movements through connections with nature.