LEARNING BY LIVING: IN A VETERANS’ HOMEEvan Carroll, AIAPrincipal ArchitectBild Architecture

Living in a Veterans’ Home

•Why have this experience?•How did I prepare?•What was it like?•What did I learn?

Why have this experience?

•People

•Paradigms are shifting

•Empathy

•New solutions

How did I prepare?

•Journal

•Packing

•Self coaching

HOME

safecomfortable

familiarsecure

What was it Like?

Arrival• Having a roommate• Dependence• Shift Changes• Smiles

What was it Like?

Settling In• Staff• Socializing• Visitors• Becoming a household

What was it like?Two Stories:

The Luau Rose

What was it like?

A rewarding experience:• The relationships• Growing old is a part of life• Love can overflow• Designers, residents, families and staff must work together

What did I Learn?

Kinds of Care• My two different roommates

Memory/Long Term Care Rehabilitation

Build friendships vs. Protect selfSettle-In vs. Wait to leaveHome vs. HotelDependence vs. Hope for Independence

What did I Learn?

Senses• Sounds of home• Smells of home• Sights of home• Textures of home

What did I learn? Spaces in a HomeSpace - to be alone

What did I learn? Spaces in a HomeSpace - to chat

What did I learn? Spaces in a HomeSpace - to walk

What did I learn? Spaces in a HomeSpace - for a group

What did I learn? Spaces for things

• Identity• Ownership

What did I learn? Spaces for things

Ledges & Shelves

What did I learn? Spaces for things

Frame Rail

What did I learn? Spaces for things

Window Dressings

What did I learn? Spaces for things

Bedding and Rugs

What did I learn? Spaces for things

Shadow Box

What did I learn? Views and Safety