Forget-Me-Not Gardens Memory Care Center

Forget-Me-Not Gardens Memory Care Center is a memory care facility designed to provide safety, dignity, and comfort for individuals living with dementia. Inspired by the forget-me-not flower, a symbol of dementia and remembrance, the design honors memory and supports meaningful daily experiences for both residents and their families. This project was created in memory of my late grandmother, whose journey with dementia deeply influenced my passion for empathetic design. 

The fictional client is a healthcare organization focused on creating a warm, residential-style facility that feels welcoming rather than clinical. The objective was to develop a space that encourages independence, supports routine, and reduces stress through thoughtful, research-based design. 

The concept draws from the symbolic beauty of the forget-me-not to shape a calming, familiar environment. Soft colors, natural materials, and access to daylight and gardens support emotional and sensory well-being. A continuous indoor walking track and functional layout promote safe movement and daily physical activity, encouraging routine while reducing agitation and fall risk.

The first floor includes community spaces such as a public cafe, dining and activity areas, a fitness room, and a music room. A therapy room near the main entrance offers mental health support for families navigating dementia care. The narrow footprint of the building required efficient space planning to fit all units and amenities while ensuring safety. 

Materials and furniture were carefully chosen: rounded edges, wipeable fabrics, movable chairs, and clear circulation paths. Acoustic control, appetite-supporting colors, and strategic stair/elevator placement aid in intuitive navigation and comfort.