The psychology of an assisted living facility: For Lubbock, Texas
Abstract
Thesis statement: There is an interrelationship between
environments and human behavior Environmental
psychology examines this interrelationship
and develops models so one can design,
manage, protect, and restore environments that
enhance reasonable behavior, predict what the
likely outcome will be when these conditions are
not met, and diagnose problem situations. Using
research from environmental psychology and related
fields, an architect can not only design environments
to satisfy the physical (built spatial
boundaries around people to satisfy basic needs
of the human body), affective (beauty, orderliness,
and comfort), and functional (suitable to the
task for which it is designed) requirements of a
design, but go further to examine the cognitive
level (how the environment provides a continuum
of meanings, or messages, as to how it shall be
used and interpreted) and the integrative/social
functions of design (supply for social behavior,
help organize and regulate activities of groups).
Facility type: To explore the interdependence of human
systems and environmental systems, the special
combination of housing, personalized supportive
services, and health care of an assisted living facility
are examined.
Context statement: Understanding that the quality and
character of the physical environment is a significant
contributor to one's health, an expanding residential
neighborhood lining a golf course in northwestern
Lubbock, TX, was chosen to further convey
the ideal of an assisted living facility being designed
to embrace the idea of "home" over institution.
Scope: The facility will accommodate sixty residents.
There will be fifty one-bedroom apartments and ten
efficiency apartments along with places for socialization,
therapy, dining, and other various activities.