Spatial Design of a Nursing Home Based on Maslow’s Hierarchy and Art Therapy

Abstract

This study addresses the issues of loneliness, loss of autonomy, and weak social interaction among elderly nursing home residents. By carrying out field investigations on six facilities, interviewing 119 residents and caregivers through semi-structured methods and analyzing the designs of art therapy centers both at home and abroad, the study examines the preferences and difficulties of the elderly people about the colors, soundscapes, touch qualities and social aspects. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the research develops spatial design approaches which transform the hierarchical needs into practical solutions, as shown in the Nanning Yixiang Yiju project. The findings indicate that art therapy serves as an effective bridge between the functional safety and emotional health, transforming nursing homes into supportive living environments for the elderly. This paper offers useful design procedures and a replicable model for improving the living conditions of the Chinese elderly.