Housing needs for people with Alzheimer’s disease in Andalusia: Strategies for the inclusion of this vulnerable group in urban planning
THE PROJECT
The aim of the VIVAlz Project is to assess and quantify the housing needs of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Andalusia, by identifying the parameters, dimensions, and spatial characteristics that must be taken into account to enable a person with AD to effectively carry out the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. The research analyses and proposes architectural solutions to ensure that homes can be progressively adapted to the changing requirements associated with the progression of the disease. The study takes a gender perspective into account, as well as the housing needs of family members and caregivers living in the same household.
THE TEAM
RESEARCH TEAM
Santiago Quesada García
(Phd in Architecture) CV >
Julia Molino Barrero
(Phd in Architecture) CV >
María del Mar Elena Pérez
(PhD in Telecommunications Engineering) CV >
José Luis Cantero Lorente
(PhD in Neurosciences) CV >
WORK TEAM
Pablo Valero Flores
(Phd in Architecture). CV >
Gloria Rivero Lamela
(Phd in Architecture) CV >
María Lozano Gómez
(Architect). CV >
José Manuel Mera Gómez
(Building Engineer Tehnical Architect) CV >
Glauco de Paula Cocozza
(Phd in Architecture) CV >
Federica Giuliani
(Phd in Architecture) CV >
Luca Zaniboni
(Phd in Architecture) CV >
MAIN OBJECTIVE
To quantify the housing needs of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Andalusia.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
To assess how the environment influences a person’s orientation and autonomy.
To study the sensory impact of light, colours, and materials.
To link inhabited spaces with the evocation of memories and emotions.
To analyse which areas of the home promote well-being, a sense of security, or cause difficulties.
To design homes that can adapt to the progression of the disease and to the family’s needs.
To develop inclusive technological solutions for assisted living environments.
To identify priority areas to adapt homes and facilities for people with Alzheimer’s.
METHODOLOGY
To develop this project, an innovative methodology has been designed within the field of neuroarchitecture, which places the individual at the centre of the research and analyses their behaviour, perception, and emotions when experiencing specific environments. The added value of this research lies in deepening the understanding of housing needs for people with Alzheimer’s disease in Andalusia, proposing inclusive solutions that improve their comfort and well-being in their daily home life.
RESULTS
* BOOKS
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* WORKSHOPS
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* PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
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* VIDEOS
- COMING SOON
* INFORMATIVE GUIDES
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SOCIAL IMPACT
MEDIA CHANNELS
Vivir con un extraño en el espejo: la investigación de la US que alivia a los enfermos de Alzheimer
> read the new
Un espejo inteligente desarrollado en Sevilla ayuda a reducir la ansiedad en personas con alzhéimer
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Desarrollan un espejo inteligente para personas con alzhéimer que no se reconocen en su propio reflejo
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Investigadores de la US presentan un prototipo de espejo inteligente para personas con alzhéimer
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Presentan un espejo inteligente para personas con alzhéimer
> read the new
“Informativo RNE Sevilla”
8:45 am
24 de marzo de 2026
“Más de uno Sevilla, con Chema García y Susana Valdés”, 26 de marzo de 2026
> listen to the interview
“Un espejo diseñado por investigadores de la US especialmente pensado para personas con alzhéimer.
> listen to the interview
AWARDS
TECNOSOCIAL Good Practice award
Málaga 2026
3rd Prize for the best scientific and technical paper at CONTART
Alicante 2026
VIVALz project (US.24-17) funded by 