The studio considered Alzheimer's disease and its consequences for patient, family and professional caregivers. Our perspective was that the disease happens, not only to individuals, but within a social network. Its impact is widespread. Therefore, in crafting a response to the disease, many avenues are open and the role that the design professions play in mitigating the effects of the disease must be broadly constructed. Alzheimer's is a disease with causes uncertain and cures unknown. We researched the therapeutic consequences of the physical environment and developed design solutions that could improve the quality of life across the social context. While cures remain a distant hope, environmental interventions may be one of the best options to offer immediate help. An important aspect of the studio was research into the nature of the disease, its impact on the patient, family and caregivers and the formulation a detailed architectural program that responding to changing conditions and capabilities. The studio designed a sixty-bed long-term care facility in suburban Memphis

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY