A new virtual reality device designed to help architects and designers create dementia friendly buildings by enabling them to ‘see things through the eyes of a person living with dementia’ has been launched.
The Virtual Reality Empathy Platform (VR-EP) comprises a laptop with high performance graphic and memory capability, Virtual Reality goggles, a games controller, camera, and bespoke software programming. The system is intended for use in the design of new buildings such as care homes, hospitals, or sheltered housing, and also has the potential to assess existing buildings and environments.
The idea is the brainchild of David Burgher, director at Scottish Borders-based Aitken Turnbull Architects, who developed the product in partnership with Glasgow CGI company, Wireframe Immersive, and experts at the Dementia Centre, HammondCare. – ‘a leading international research and consulting service with offices in the UK and Australia’, which ‘provided the evidence-based research and academic rigour’. Wireframe Immersive developed the virtual environment, and will supply the software and hardware.
David Burgher said: “The introduction of the VR-EP technology takes Aitken Turnbull’s many years’ experience designing buildings for the elderly and people living with dementia, to another level. Dementia-friendly design doesn’t have to cost more. In fact, by using VR-EP, designers will get it right first time, and therefore reduce costs.” The VR-EP device was developed with £50,000 of funding from Scottish Enterprise.
The photo shows ‘dementia-friendly design’ from the standpoint of someone living with dementia – ‘contrasting colours keep the proportions and items in the room more distinct, while the bed appears easily distinguishable and recognisable because of the strong contrast wall’.