3DReid has submitted plans to build the development with a view to using an intergenerational approach to provide non-institutional care by engaging more directly with the local community.

The developer hopes to utilise the street edge along Niddrie Mains Road in the town’s city centre with an active frontage of commercial units and public realm with the dementia care unit tucked away behind, Urban Realm reports.

Prioritising wayfinding and natural light, the dementia care facility will utilise long corridors in favour of regular points of interest such as day lounges, activity spaces and views.

Designed as a single campus, the development will bring staff, students and patients together within a single campus environment, complementing a nearby health and wellbeing centre.

Ryan Hodge, project architect, said: “Of particular importance is continuous access to sources of natural light, and visual connection to the outdoors, this condition extends to all areas of the building, in aiding a resident’s ability to re-orientate within both time and space in moments of anxiety.

“Modern dementia care thinking has shifted from the notion of ‘The Gilded Cage’ towards the encouragement of free movement and less defined demarcation between staff and residents. This is reflected in our design in the form of such things as soft boundaries managed by wearable tech, and the discreet integration of nursing stations within day lounge areas to minimise the feeling of surveillance, and prioritise the dignity of residents.”