Architecture · Design · Environment & Place · Humanity & Health
A Little Life [Advice]
Loader Monteith Architects Founding Director Matt Loader and Studio SJM Architects Architect/ Director Sarah-Jane Storrie join us to discuss architecture’s role in rewriting the story of dementia as part of a quiet revolution at the intersection of design and care
words – matt loader, sarah-jane storrie
location – glasgow, uk
By 2030, there will be an estimated 60 million people globally living with dementia – a number that’s set to reach 150 million by 2050. As the global prevalence of dementia rises, how can creativity shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for all? At the intersection of design and care lies a quiet revolution: one that challenges architects and designers to move beyond compliance and towards compassion.
In such a landscape, the collective responsibility of designers of the built environment becomes impossible to ignore. In conversation with Loader Monteith Architects Founding Director Matt Loader and Studio SJM Architects Architect/ Director Sarah-Jane Storrie, this discussion – originally shared at the launch of 4,4,4&2, the finale of our work to rewrite the story of dementia – reveals how small, intentional design decisions can uphold dignity, independence and joy for those living with cognitive change. The work of Loader Monteith and Studio SJM bridges aesthetics and accessibility, showing that designing for dementia is not a specialist subset of architecture, but an essential evolution of good design itself: one that integrates legibility, sensory balance and emotional intelligence to create spaces that truly include everyone.
ON FRIENDSHIP:
Always have a sane yin
by yer side!
HELP
OTHERS
HEAL
OTHERS
ON LOVE:
Do something you love,
for as long as you love it.
Know love is
a gift; hold onto it
if you’ve got it.
ON FAMILY:
Hold onto your parents,
and respect your elders.
Don’t tell your mum!
ON SELF:
REMEMBER
you’re stronger than you think.
YOU CANNAE
TAKE IT
IN YOUR
SHROUD!
ON LIFE:
Live for today;
yesterday’s gone,
tomorrow might
never come.
See your grandchildren;
eat millionaires shortbread;
read.
Swim.
Take a long lie
in a cosy bed.
Wear comfy clothes,
spend time with friends,
do puzzles.
Give everything
a second chance.
ON HAPPINESS:
Live a positive life;
fill it with memories.
Sometimes it feels like
it gets blown away,
so engage with others
and hold it dear.
SEARCH FOR THE
JOY
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