Relationship between preferences for familiar design elements and principles and place attachment of women living in continuing care retirement communities

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: The purpose of this study was to describe the preferences of female residents of CCRCs toward familiar design elements and principles as described in the context of place attachment. Eighteen residents of Continuing Care Retirement Communities participated in the study. Q-methodology was used to explore the opinions of residents regarding their preferences of familiar interior design elements and principles based on their former and current residences. An eight-item Place Attachment Scale was also used in this study to determine participants' positive or negative place attachment.

Findings and Conclusions: Three factors were identified using PQMethod 2.11 for analysis. Seventeen sorts were defined by Factor One, Symmetrical Traditional; nine were defined by Factor Two, Naturalistic Rhythm; and four were defined by Factor Three, Individualistic Variety. The first factor, Traditional Symmetrical was defined by a combination of symmetry and a strong use of line, natural light, color, ornamentation, and harmony incorporated into a formal, traditional style. The second factor, Naturalistic Rhythm, was defined by a combination of rhythm, natural light, line, color, and harmony incorporated into a relaxed, casual transitional style. The third factor, Individualistic Variety, was defined by a combination of color, line and pattern, but was not indicative of any particular style. All participants had positive place attachment, concluding that design elements and principles may contribute to place attachment.