Safe environments allow people to spend time in the public realm without experiencing fears or risks. People living with dementia may be less aware of physical and social dangers and can experience contrast sensitivity, which increases the risk of falling.

Comfortable environments are welcoming and non-intimidating. People living with dementia may have difficulties with sensory overstimulation, such as with bright lights, crowds, or loud noise. They can benefit from serene, quiet, and pleasant spaces to pause, rest, or socialize.

Accessible environments make it easy and convenient for people of all ages and abilities to participate in their community, by removing barriers and providing access to services and amenities close to home. Accessibility applies to all aspects of the built environment, and supports independence and social inclusion.

Distinct environments include features that are unambiguous, varied, and interesting. People living with dementia rely on distinctive spaces and landmarks as visual cues for wayfinding.

Familiar environments help people living with dementia recognize where they are and find where they want to go by designing features that people have seen before and can easily recognize. Familiar neighbourhoods support independence and wayfinding.

Legible spaces help people living with dementia navigate their neighbourhoods by using obvious design cues to clearly communicate the function or purpose of a space, feature, path, or building.