Abstract:

Written for architects, designers, and anyone involved in planning and designing assisted living facilities, The Essence of Home offers a fresh look at an area of design that is becoming increasingly important as the elderly population continues to grow exponentially. Through in-depth interviews with residents, staff, administrators, and family members, as well as an exhaustive review of architectural and medical literature, author William Brummett has identified what it takes to make a facility feel like "home." It is not enough to merely add cosmetic or decorative touches to the typical hospital or nursing home structure; rather, the facility must be designed specifically with a sense of home in mind, taking into account not only the physical capabilities and limitations of the residents, but the emotional and psychological needs as well. The Essence of Home looks at 38 significant problem-solving design considerations, and contains two in-depth case studies. Detailed illustrations and graphics provide a visual sense of the concepts discussed in the text. An annotated bibliography and comprehensive list of references provide additional sources of information.