BSc (Architecture), University of Western Australia, Australia MPhil (Architecture), Griffith University, Australia
PhD Thesis Title:
Learning from the Experience of People Living with Dementia to Inform Inclusive Public Place Design
PhD Research Summary:
This qualitative study, using Constructivist Grounded Theory, is seeking to understand the experience of people living with dementia when they visit public places in regional cities in Queensland. Consideration is also being given to how aspects of the psycho-social and physical environment influence the individual’s experience of the public place. In this study, a public place is defined as anywhere outside the home and yard of the participant, or those of their family and friends, and as such may be publicly or privately owned. In recognition of the rights of people living with dementia to be included in research, and taking a strengths-based approach, the specific public places for the study will be nominated by the participants living with dementia and will be places that they enjoy visiting. It is anticipated that understanding the lived experience of the participants will help to inform the design of inclusive public places more generally.