Destinations and Directions: Colour and wayfinding for a dementia ward

Guidelines for the design of dementia care facilities tend to focus on colour contrast, often simplistically interpreted as a contrast in hue. Without the involvement of design professionals, the use of guidelines can lead to homogenous, monotonous and under-stimulating environments. Even as spatial orientation declines as the disease progresses, certain abilities, which allow for navigating space, may remain resilient, and it is accepted that further research on wayfinding using colour and 'landmarks' is required. The paper will discuss a live project for a colour installation within the male dementia ward at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, with reference to the three main user groups: staff, carers and patients. It will suggest that design specificity in response to place and people, supported by knowledge of the potential of colour to modify space, can enhance the everyday lives and well being of long term building users.Keywords: Colour, dementia, wayfinding, design, live project