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Blake, Wm. Mirth. 1816.

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In France, a village is experimenting with architecture to “give real life back” to people with Alzheimer’s. As one staff member puts it, the goal is to “create conditions where they don’t just stay in a room waiting to die.”

Village Landais Alzheimer comes in response to the restrictive nature of conventional care homes. Modeled after a traditional community, it focuses on maximizing resident autonomy within a secure setting, being fenced for safety but offering ample freedom for residents to move around, socialize, and engage in activities like gardening and animal care. Private and shared living spaces are designed to foster a sense of community and maintain the dignity of the residents. There’s also a make-believe shop, where villagers can “buy” products they don’t actually pay for.

The architects emphasized daylight, strong connections with the outdoors, materials that are natural and pleasurable, and corridors that are enjoyable places to linger.

In conventional care homes, residents are typically kept behind locked doors and rarely granted a walk outside. They’re stuck in armchairs in front of blaring televisions, surrounded by medical equipment, deprived of the ability to make decisions about almost anything.