Short answer
Prioritize creating environments that foster a sense of belonging and user agency, moving beyond purely functional or institutional models.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- Figshare (2020)
- Method
- Archival research and textual analysis
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Framing residential care as a 'home' rather than an 'institution' can significantly impact resident experience and challenge societal perceptions of disability. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in Figshare. Using Archival research and textual analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize creating environments that foster a sense of belonging and user agency, moving beyond purely functional or institutional models.
The 'Home' as a Design Strategy: Challenging Institutionalism in Disability Care
Framing residential care as a 'home' rather than an 'institution' can significantly impact resident experience and challenge societal perceptions of disability.
Figshare · 2020
Key Findings
- 01The term 'home' was intentionally used to differentiate from 'institutional' settings.
- 02Residents actively sought to redefine their place within the 'home', challenging existing structures.
- 03The 'home' setting, despite its intentions, could still present challenges related to isolation and segregation.
Application
Design takeaway
Prioritize creating environments that foster a sense of belonging and user agency, moving beyond purely functional or institutional models.
How to apply
When designing any residential or care facility, consider the language used to describe it and actively involve future users in the design process to ensure it truly functions as a 'home'.
Project actions
- 01When researching existing designs, consider the language used to describe them and its potential impact.
- 02Explore how user involvement in the design process can lead to more 'homely' and less institutional environments.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Addresses a gap in historical research on disability and living environments.
- +Utilizes rich archival data to provide nuanced insights.
Limitations
The historical context of the study might not directly translate to modern design practices without careful consideration of evolving societal norms and technologies.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of findings is supported by the use of diverse archival materials. Validity is enhanced by the study's focus on lived experiences and the critical analysis of the 'home' concept.
Think critically
To what extent does the label 'home' truly transform an environment, or does it merely mask underlying institutional characteristics?
Design Principles
"The 'Principle of Empowering Environments': Design spaces that actively involve users in defining their purpose and experience, fostering agency and a sense of belonging."
This approach highlights how the conceptualization and naming of a space can influence its perceived function and the dignity afforded to its inhabitants. Designers can learn from this by considering the psychological and social implications of their design choices, moving beyond mere functionality to create environments that foster a sense of belonging and agency.
What This Means for Your Design
Calling a place a 'home' instead of an 'institution' can make a big difference in how people feel about living there, especially for people with disabilities. This study shows that even when it's called a 'home', people still want to have a say in how they live and how the place is run.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of user perception and the psychological impact of design terminology in your design project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The conceptualization of a space as a 'home' rather than an 'institution' can profoundly influence user experience and agency, as demonstrated by the study of Cheshire Homes (Crawford, 2020). This highlights the importance of design language and user involvement in creating environments that foster belonging and challenge societal perceptions.
Source
Figshare
There’s no place like a Cheshire Home? Redefining the role of disabled residents in residential care at Le Court 1948–1975
journal · 2020
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about the 'home' as a design strategy: challenging institutionalism in disability care?
- Prioritize creating environments that foster a sense of belonging and user agency, moving beyond purely functional or institutional models. Evidence: Figshare (2020).
- Why does "The 'Home' as a Design Strategy: Challenging Institutionalism in Disability Care" matter for design?
- This approach highlights how the conceptualization and naming of a space can influence its perceived function and the dignity afforded to its inhabitants. Designers can learn from this by considering the psychological and social implications of their design choices, moving beyond mere functionality to create environments that foster a sense of belonging and agency.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Prioritize creating environments that foster a sense of belonging and user agency, moving beyond purely functional or institutional models.
- What were the main findings?
- The term 'home' was intentionally used to differentiate from 'institutional' settings.. Residents actively sought to redefine their place within the 'home', challenging existing structures.. The 'home' setting, despite its intentions, could still present challenges related to isolation and segregation.
- What research method was used?
- Archival research and textual analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2020 journal from Figshare.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing any residential or care facility, consider the language used to describe it and actively involve future users in the design process to ensure it truly functions as a 'home'.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focuses on a specific historical period and a single organization, potentially limiting the generalizability of findings to contemporary contexts or different care models.