ACA has designed an interior design cafe shop development within Dove House Hospice in Hull, on behalf of the charity, Dove House. Primarily, the proposal focuses on dementia-friendly design principles to allow people with dementia to continue living as independently as possible.
Interior Design
The internal layout includes an open plan space, to allow customers to interact together within the café, seating and retail areas. Moreover it includes Biophilic design principles within the internal space, to create a healthy and welcoming environment.
Materials
For instance, Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) measure colour and contrast in products/surfaces to determine whether or not there is a suitable contrast between surfaces. For example, visually impaired people may be unable to perceive some or all colours. However, many people with a visual impairment can perceive light and dark. Therefore, the selected materials help to achieve LRV contrasts between walls, floors, ceilings and furniture to help customers with dementia or visual impairments.
Lighting
First of all, full height windows in the seating area achieve natural light.
In addition, the design incorporates artificial lighting to indicate better wayfinding for the cashier, seating and retail areas.
Noise Reduction
Use of soft materials in the seating area helps to significantly reduce noise levels. Thus the selection of sound absorbing ceiling and wall panels within all areas, helps to prevent confusion and potential fall risks in customers with dementia.
