Plan:D - Dementia-friendly architecture, urban environments and places designed for people living with dementia

Background and research question

The German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases e. V. (DZNE) in Witten, Germany, is currently conducting research on how the built environment (e.g. architecture, urban environments, and places designed for people living with dementia) can be created to be dementia-friendly. But: 

• What does that actually mean: dementia-friendly space?
• Is there a need for such space at all? If so, what does it look like?
• And what criteria does this imply for the design and spatial planning?

This is what we are exploring in the study "Plan:D".

We are conducting interviews with experts who are involved in design, planning, or design processes of dementia-friendly built environments, and who already have some experience with a specific spatial planning/design project for people living with dementia, regardless of whether the project has actually been realized.

Data analysis was completed in July 2025. Data synthesis and preparation of the publication is currently underway. Based on 17 expert interviews and 3 co-research sessions with people with dementia, PLAN:D explored the assumptions planning stakeholders have about dementia. We also examined planning criteria, resources, and challenges within planning practice. We thank all participating planning experts for their support