Dementia-Friendly Aircraft Lavatory

I conducted primary research with residents through observation of technical drawings and design concepts. Residents provided valuable feedback that informed my final design, such as adding resting seats.

Participants were asked to walk around a full-scale floorplan and provide feedback on its level of accessibility. They were also shown small-scale drawings displaying potential lavatory layouts. Through these tests, I found that additional space was required beside the toilet to complete a wheelchair transfer, as well as in front to assist someone off of the toilet.

The CATR has a full aircraft simulation space where I was able to take measurements of a lavatory and highlight potential unutilized areas. This experience helped me to understand the present issues with the lavatory by physically being inside the environment myself.

I was able to take my own photographs of the space to have references of all of the specific details, and also test out some potential solutions such as signage prototypes.

Throughout my research, participants shared that they simply do not travel by air because it’s too complicated in a wheelchair. This empowered me to focus on finding an optimal floor plan that would allow for wheelchair transfers. The final lavatory dimensions provide enough space for a 14” airplane wheelchair transfer, and are in accordance with the City of Ottawa’s Accessibility Design Standards.

I created floorplan iterations of the lavatory and aircraft cabin based on existing measurements. I used anthropometric data referencing the dimensions of the 5th to 95th percentile female and male, and placed scaled bodies inside my floorplans to determine the max and min dimensions required for accessibility. This was helpful to figure out what dimensions were needed to fit two individuals inside the lavatory comfortably.

Based on the floorplans that were used for my other tests, I also created 2D elevation and plan view drawings that showcased the dementia-friendly interior design elements of the lavatory.

I created many technical drawings based on standard aircraft layouts to determine the most cost-effective placement of the lavatory that would allow for enough space without taking too many seats away.

I went through several iterations of technical drawings, constantly adjusting the measurements based on my research findings. Most importantly, the space needed to be wide enough to allow for a wheelchair transfer and caregiver assistance.

I built a full-scale three-dimensional lavatory prototype which was made entirely out of cardboard and fastened together using special cardboard screws.

This model made it possible to have users actually walk inside and allowed me to demonstrate the improved layout and reconfiguration of items such as the toilet, sink and bathroom door.

The paper floorplan was one of the prototypes that I used for user testing at the retirement residences, since it was easier to move around, as opposed to the full-scale cardboard lavatory.

The lavatory model was made with clear acrylic and cut with a laser cutter. Each piece was sandblasted to create a gradient so that only a portion was see-through. The pieces were glued together and the fuselage was curved using a heat gun.

Through speaking with caregivers, I learned that when assisting an individual with dementia off the toilet, they need to be lifted up from the front. To accommodate this, I placed the lavatory in the middle of the aircraft, instead of at the back, since that section of the fuselage doesn’t curve. This allowed me to add an additional couple inches in front of the toilet.

The user tests brought up the need for grab bars in the lavatory since my concept has a larger floorplan than traditional aircraft lavatories. Participants suggested that there would need to be multiple grab bars beside the toilet which aligned with accessible washroom guidelines.

One of the key findings throughout the design process was the need to consider the use of mobility aids in the aircraft lavatory, such as crutches and canes. There is a large percentage of elderly individuals who use mobility aids. Prior to conducting tests at Bruyère Village Retirement Residence, I hadn’t thought about this concern. I incorporated a holder that the mobility aids could be rested in without falling.

I used a bright blue in the lavatory to highlight the main areas of use, such as the toilet seat, sink, soap and paper towel dispenser. Blue contrasts well with the other colours and is regularly associated to water. I only used one colour to avoid overstimulation from too many colours, which could be an issue for individuals with dementia.

Separating the garbage from the sink with different materials (stainless steel) made it easier to see the garbage can, and to differentiate it from the sink. Using a light colour on the floor brightened the room and made it easier to perceive, especially for those with visual impairments. The space is well-lit and is positioned by an aircraft window for natural light.

Resting seats were incorporated beside the lavatory to provide a space for individuals to sit while they are waiting for the washroom. Participants believed this would be useful in the case of a long washroom line, or if they were a caregiver waiting for an individual with dementia. It would also be beneficial in the case of turbulence while waiting near the lavatory.

Speaking with wheelchair users was very insightful, because it highlighted the need to consider this in my final concept. The wheelchairs used on aircrafts are unique, since they need to fit inside the aisles. I reconfigured the layout, leaving space beside the toilet to perform a wheelchair transfer, and also positioned the door so that an individual would only have to make one movement to enter the lavatory.