Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Interior Design

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Interior Design

Advisor/Mentor

Alyssa Kuhns

Committee Member

Acadia Kandora

Second Committee Member

Chris Keller

Abstract

As the aging population continues to grow, dementia and Alzheimer's have become increasingly relevant in healthcare. In the United States, memory care facilities, focusing on medical attention, often lack humane design, leaving the interiors to feel sterile and detached. This study explores collage as a method for developing a systematic approach to interior finishes of memory care facilities, specifically wallcoverings, making design accessible to memory care facilities while supporting the memory function of its residents.

This project utilizes qualitative and image-based methods, along with interviews, to inform the production of a collage and wallcovering. By analyzing pieces from a collage, informed by interviews and a catalogue of photos, the design of a wallcovering takes form to address and sustain memories strongly connected to the resident’s personality. This study applies this system to my grandfather’s, whom I refer to as Papa, memories of place, people, objects, and belonging to produce a collage, wallcovering, and guidelines that allow other designer to replicate this system.

This study not only outlines a new method on how to approach design in memory care facilities, but it also aims to prolong the life of a product, wallcovering, that is typically used once, removed, then discarded.

Keywords

wallcovering; dementia; Alzheimer's

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