This is my Senior Thesis project for Harrington's BFA program in Interior Design. It's a 40,000 SF Alzheimer's/Memory Care Assisted Living Facility development in an old abandoned school building in Kenosha Wisconsin. The name, Bainbridge, comes from the name of the existing school building (Bain Elementary) and my design concept of "bridge" -- as in "making connections." The location was chosen not only for its architectural bones and the appropriateness of the neighborhood but also for the potential to add a glorius healing garden on the site.

1. assisted living facility
Alzheimer’s
Thesis Project | Elaine Decho-Fishman
Harrington College of Design, 2008

2. bridge

3. loneliness kills
1. Half of those over age 85 suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease
or some other form of dementia.
2. Americans over age 85 are the fastest growing segment
of the population (19 million predicted by 2050).
3. Dementia sufferers who spend long periods doing nothing
experience depression, anxiety and paranoia.
4. Alzheimer’s patients like to wander.
5. People need to have a sense of control over their lives.
6. Sunshine is a mood enhancer.
7. Loneliness kills: social connectedness is one of the greatest
predictors of health and independence in later years.
the facts
dementia and aging

4. bridge
to connect

5. aging people depend more on
their environment to compensate
for frailty and sensory loss
 independence, dignity and privacy
 social interaction
 mental and physical stimulation
 individual control, choice and autonomy
 minimize confusion
 safety, security and accessibility
 abundant natural light
 homelike, residential quality
 family-friendly, inviting
 reach out to local community —
social center, location for senior services
the project goals
assisted living facility

6. goal: homelike, residential quality
independence | dignity | privacy
the residential scale of the Sunrise at
Fairfax is reinforced through the use of
dormer windows, wrap around porch,
and other residential detailing
spacious apartment at McKenna
Crossing at Shepherd’s Path, Prior Lake,
MN (top) and accessible private bath
at NorthPointe Terrace, Roscoe, IL
a fireplace and residential-style furnishings
create a cozy gathering place at
Central Baptist Village, Norridge, IL

7. goal: mental and physical stimulation
social connectedness | meaningful activities
the potting shed at
Cuthbertson Village provides
a place to pursue gardening
interests even in the winter
the chapel at Mary Queen of
Angels Assisted Living Community,
Nashville, provides a convenient
place for residents to embrace
their spirituality
this light-filled two-story atrium
at Degneparken service house,
Denmark, features billiards
and other activities

8. goal: minimize confusion
previewing | wayfinding | safety | autonomy
half walls at Gosnell Memorial Hospice
create openness, promote social
interaction and facilitate wayfinding
memory boxes outside each dwelling
unit at Garvey Manor, Hollidaysburg, PA,
are filled with interesting items that tell
the story of each resident, stimulating
conversation while helping to provide
landmarks for wayfinding
the activity rooms at Kvarteret Karl XI
service house (above) are completely
transparent so residents can preview
activities before entering

9. goal: maximize natural light
enhance mood | conserve energy | support plant life
natural light fills the corridors at Geer Village,
Canaan, Connecticut (top) and at the Dr. Drees
project, the Hague, Netherlands (bottom)
 Exposure to daylight may help to regulate circadian rhythms
and lessen the severity and frequency of “sundowning” episodes
(increased confusion or agitation that can typically occur
near the end of the day).
a light shelf infuses daylight into the room while
controlling glare
a resident enjoys the view

10.  senior citizens, most over 70 yrs old
 may have dementia or Alzheimer’s (varying stages)
 mostly ambulatory, with varying degrees
of cognitive and physical disabilities
 may need assistance with daily living tasks but
do not require full-time skilled nursing care
 mostly single occupants (estimate10% may have
live-in companion/caregiver or spouse)
 more women than men
 probably from local area (or have family in town)
the client
seniors | residents and neighbors

11. maintaining connections to family and the community
are important goals
 family members (typically
grown children, ages 40–65)
 spouse
 self – proactive, planning ahead
 social workers
 physicians
 neighborhood seniors
goal: inspire confidence and reassure family
that loved ones will be safe, happy, active
and well-cared for; provide social center for
area seniors and central location for services
the client
family | decision-makers and visitors

12. a dedicated and caring staff are vital to success
 nurses, physicians, psychiatrists
 social workers and aides
 maintenance, cooks, housekeeping
 administrative, office help
 volunteers
 village board, planning
 archdiocese
goal: design an efficient workplace that
nurtures residents, inspires staff and
promotes caring and wellness; consider
catholic church as potential partner?
the client
staff | management | investors

13. studio apartment with kitchenette at
The Cumberland at Green Hills, Nashville.
double hung windows and dutch doors allow
residents of the Captain Eldridge Congregate
House to control the openness of their unit
 dwelling units for 25–40 residents
 views to outside (min.), access to outdoors (preferred)
 private full bathrooms, ADA accessible
 kitchenettes in unit
 one-bedroom (90%) and two-bedroom units (10%)
 ability to personalize unit
 flexible plans, adaptable to changing needs
 clusters of 8-10 residents
 away from public circulation
 staff monitoring stations nearby but unobtrusive
 facilitate family visits (and overnight guests?)
the program
private | assisted living spaces

14.  large and small groups (crafts, games, lectures...)
 physical therapy (fitness, yoga, massage, swimming)
 library, reading room
 chapel, worship
 music, singing, dancing
 community kitchens
 television, movie viewing
 laundry facility
 open feel, maximize previewing opportunities
 landmarks and finishes that facilitate wayfinding
the program
communal | activity spaces
library at Geer Village (top) senior
living community and regional
community center, Canaan, CT

15. french doors in this restaurant (top) at Caleb Hitchcock
Health Center, Bloomfield, CT, open to the courtyard.
ramps and an inconspicous lift ensure easy access to the
pools at Evergreen Retirement Community, Oshkosh, WI.
 healthcare (nursing, psych, records, exam room)
 dining (restaurant, cafe, coffee shop, bar?)
 beauty salon, barber
 convenience store
 reception
 visitors lounge, waiting area
 manager’s office
 public restrooms
 swimming pool (shared w/community?)
the program
public | town center

16. providing office space for a local
senior service provider is one way
to connect with the community
 office space for community outreach program
 staff lounge (locker room? separate entrance?)
 maintenance, housekeeping storage
 commercial kitchen
 receiving
 parking (guest and staff)
 security office? guard station?
 small conference, meeting room (in mgrs. office?)
 mechanical, HVAC
 circulation, safe travel
the program
semi-public | adminstrative spaces

17. a successful garden must have areas
of sun and shade, with space for
activities as well as quiet retreat
 a place for secure wandering
 physical activity, exercise
 large and small group activities
 quiet retreat, rest areas
 interaction with animals
 opportunity for nurturing
 outdoor dining
 sunlit and shaded areas
 handrails, secure footing
 indoor winter garden
the program
public | healing garden

18. the healing garden
explore | escape | enhance
incorporating animals, plants and
children in the culture creates a
nurturing environment and helps give
elders a sense of purpose
garden spaces enrich the overall
quality of life for elders providing
mental stimulation…
…physical activity, opportunities for
socializing and quiet retreats

19.  located at 2210 52nd St.,
Kenosha, Wisconsin
 original structure built in 1906
(135’x 68’)
 north wing addition 1913
(70’x 64’)
 gymnasium addition 1953
(70’x 77’)
 non-period gymnasium
structure to be demolished
the building
bain elementary school
southeast view
northwest view
gymnasium

20.  masonry and wood construction
 two full stories plus lower level,
partially below grade
 approx.13,500 sf per floor
 approx. 43,000 sf total,
not including gymnasium
 ceiling heights 12’-6” typ. (10’-6” net ht.)
 lower floor level is 4’-6” below grade
 developable attic space
(above north wing addition only)
the building
bain elementary school
south facade dormer
east view
west view

21. the building
interior conditions
much of the original maple flooring and
wood millwork remains (top); many of
the plaster walls have radiused corners
window sill heights in first floor (top)
and basement (bottom) classrooms;
ceilings are dropped 12–18”
one of four existing stairwells with
a combination of original newell posts
and mid-century railing renovations

22. the building
attic space
original heavy timber roof joists and
south-facing dormer window over the
1906 structure; this area of the attic
has no usable floor space (storage?);
could possibly add skylights and open
floor to atrium below.
Potential development ideas for attic
include: additional units, ballroom,
caretaker’s apartment or guest “hotel”
usable attic space over the north wing
(top) has ceiling heights up to 16 ft.,
existing staircase provides roof access
this space originally served as the
school’s auditorium

23. the neighborhood
52nd Street and 22nd Avenue
homes on 23rd (top) and 22nd Avenues
to the west and east of the building
to the south (top), on 52nd St., is the
Italian American Club and a bakery, to
the north (bottom) is St. Anthony’s school
St. Anthony’s Catholic Church,
2223 51st St., just north of the building

24.  24 sq miles on southwestern shore of Lake Michigan
 32 miles south of Milwaukee, 50 miles north of Chicago
 races: 79% white, 10% latino, 8% african amer., 5% other
 population: 90,352 (2000 census); 96,240 (2006 est.)
age 60–64 years . . . . . . . . . .2886 (3%)
age 65–74 years . . . . . . . . . .5358 (6%)
age 75–84 years . . . . . . . . . .4132 (5%)
age 85 years and over . . . . . . .1516 (2%)
 781 people in nursing homes
(figures according to 2000 census as reported on www.city-data.com)
the neighborhood: facts
Kenosha, Wisconsin

25. the neighborhood: facts
Kenosha, Wisconsin
source: http://www.city-data.com/city/Kenosha-Wisconsin.html
geography:
42°34’56”N,
87°50’44”W

26. (left) typical neighborhood homes, 53rd St. and 8th Ave.,
about two miles east of our building. (right) west side of
Kenosha, about 1 mile south of our building, looking north
along 22nd Ave. towards the old section of town
 suburban “bedroom community”
 ranked on many “Best Places to Live” lists
 low crime rates, below national average
 incorporated 1850
 ancestry: German (32%), Italian, Irish, Polish
 median household income: $46,888 (2005)
 median household value: $149,500 (2005)
new construction aver. $175,500 (2006 bldg permits)
 median gross rent: $704 (2005)
 was manufacturing center, now white collar;
largest employer: education system and Abbott Labs
the neighborhood: character
Kenosha, Wisconsin

27. Harborpark mixes residential use with
open space, a museum and marina
Kenosha Public Museum and
Kenosha History Center
 Lake Michigan: boating, fishing,
beaches, walking, 18 mi. of shoreline
 two historic lighthouses w/museum
 museums: Kenosha Public Museum,
History Center, Civil War Museum,
Dinosaur Discovery, historic districts
 74 public parks and gardens
 greyhound racing, Indian casinos
 theater and arts centers, symphony
 shopping, Prime Outlets
 several championship golf courses
 public library
the neighborhood: attractions
Kenosha, Wisconsin

28. design development
ideation
Bainbridge | Memory Care Center
Kenosha, Wisconsin

29. inspiration: palette
autumn in the midwest

30. inspiration: sunlight
fact: sunshine is a mood enhancer
sunny solarium walkway,
St. James Place, Baton Rouge, LA
sunlit corridor creates feelings of
warmth and fosters positive mood
clerestory windows flood lobby at
Geer Village, CT with warm sunlight

31. inspiration: porches
residential | social | connection to outdoors
charming interior porches enhance
residential quality at Oaklawn Health
Care Center, Mankato, MN
porches support social interaction
and can be lovely places to dine,
Francis E. Parker Memorial Home,
Piscataway, NJ
a private place for morning coffee,
Life Enrichment Adult Day Care Center,
Kings Mountain, NC

32. inspiration: atriums
bring nature indoors and extend the growing season
the atrium at the Jan van der
Ploeg project, Netherlands, is
a popular place for residents
to meet
atrium garden at Rosenborg
Centret, Copenhagen, day-
lights the interior spaces while
creating an attractive place to
enjoy morning coffee.
bumpouts on the single-loaded
corridor balconies accommo-
date a small table and chairs
and invite residents to preview
the activity below
sun-filled atrium garden at
Kunselan Pairelkalott surrounded
by balcony corridor, projections
accommodate sitting areas

33. challenge
add atrium and wandering garden, maximize sunlight
…replacing demolished south facade with glass wall
…adding small conservatory on north facade.
early studies exploring large skylights in roof…
and wandering garden in place of old gymnasium

34. challenge
add atrium and wandering garden, maximize sunlight
studies of conservatory and private balconies (porches)
solution: 2-story conservatory to replace gymnasium on south facade. South portion of site to be
excavated down to first floor level (4’-6” below grade). New entry doors provide walk-out access to
a grand “sunken” garden. Exterior stairs and wheelchair ramp provide access to street level.
result: conservatory serves to create atrium-like interior without adding skylights, maximizes sunlight,
creates transition space from outdoor garden to indoor garden. Victorian styling will be far more in
keeping with historical architecture of original structure.

35. solution
conservatory | atrium
PLAN | SCALE: 1/16” = 1’-0”
ELEVATION: NTS
perspective:
southeast view

36. inspiration: town square
bring “main street” to the residents
preserve a sense of normalcy and purpose by providing homebound residents with
familiar and convenient “destinations” such as dining, shopping, worship, healthcare,
beauty salon, library, fitness and entertainment.
clockwise from bottom left: “main street” at Towne Care Center, Avon Lake, OH; town square of Cuthbertson Village at Aldersgate, Charlotte, NC;
The Village of Waveny Care Center, New Canann, CT; main street at Boutwell’s Landing, Stillwater, MN

37. design development
main street concept | atrium
parti, adjacencies, early plans

39. design development
public spaces, on both floors, are centered around the garden
more private spaces are located farther back
lower level blocking plan first floor blocking plan
(town square) (residences)

40. blocking plan
SCALE: 1/16” = 1’-0”N
lower level
(town square)

44. floor plan & furnishings
pool house | terrace
SCALE: 1/8” = 1’-0”N

45. floor plan & furnishings
healing garden | wandering path
SCALE: 1/32” = 1’-0”N

46. floor plan & furnishings
atrium | visitor lounge
SCALE: 1/8” = 1’-0”N

47. floor plan & elevations
convenience store | salon | coffee bar
marble: bathroom walls, coffee bar vinyl flooring: salon, coffee bar wood flooring: convenience store
SCALE: 1/8” = 1’-0”
west elevation: office | coffee bar | general store SCALE: 1/4” = 1’-0”
N

48. floor plan & furnishings
cafe | restaurant
SCALE: 1/8” = 1’-0”N
top: wall treatment | horizontal surfaces
middle: furniture wood finish | upholstery
bottom: hard flooring | carpet

49. perspective
library | reading room
view from atrium

50. SCALE: 1/8” = 1’-0”
floor plan & furnishings
activity | craft room
N
fountain

51. floor plan & furnishings
library | reading room
SCALE: 1/8” = 1’-0”N

52. floor plan & furnishings
chapel | auditorium
SCALE: 1/8” = 1’-0”N

54. floor plan & furnishings
fitness center | health clinic
SCALE: 1/8” = 1’-0”N

57. floor plans
apartments | two bedroom
SCALE: 1/8” = 1’-0”N

58. floor plan & furnishings
apartments | one bedroom
SCALE: 1/8” = 1’-0”N

59. floor plan & furnishings
community kitchen | dining area
SCALE: 1/8” = 1’-0”N

60. perspective
community kitchen | dining area

61. perspective
community kitchen | dining area

62. perspective
corridor | residence floors

63. perspective
community game room | lounge

64. floor plan & furnishings
community game room | lounge
SCALE: 1/8” = 1’-0”N

65. floor plan & furnishings
community living room | lounge
SCALE: 1/8” = 1’-0”N
living room group
lounge chairs & cocktail table
hall table
game table & chair
living room carpetliving room woodliving room sofaliving room chairgame chairs, pillowslounge chairslounge woodlounge carpet

66. perspective
community living room | lounge