Strategy 3.9
Acoustics
Seating in a peaceful area at Potrero 1010. Photo: Bruce Damonte / David Baker Architects
3.9.1
Mitigate noise through buffers
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Create buffered seating areas away from noisy spaces to provide options to rest and retreat if needed.
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Use vegetation such as trees and shrubs to buffer seating areas and pedestrian pathways from roadways.
A public plaza in Montreal with a water feature for kids to play in, public art, trees, rain gardens, and bench seating. Photo: Emma Avery
3.9.2
Incorporate soothing sounds into the environment
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Consider soothing sounds, such as running water, waves, or birdsong. Some people living with dementia also enjoy the sounds of children playing.
Seating facing a fountain and lake in Williamson Park. Photo: Alexander P Kapp / Wikimedia Commons
3.9.3
Include water features
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Include access to views and sounds of water, which can have a positive sensory impact on people living with dementia.
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Use water features to create landmarks and destinations in the neighbourhood.
Acoustics are critical to consider in outdoor spaces. Environmental sounds can be challenging to anticipate during the design stage. However, providing quiet spaces to pause can help people living with dementia by reducing stress and confusion and improving comfort levels. Sounds from everyday life can also help trigger memories and emotions for people living with dementia.
Actions under this strategy:
Dementia-inclusive principles:
Comfortable: Reducing distractions and potential for sensory overload supports attentional capacity.
Familiar: Familiar and pleasant sounds act as cues to remind people where they are.