Implementation of the Green House project in an Israeli nursing home: a comparative perspective through post-occupancy evaluation

Purpose With interviews and behavioral mapping, this study aims to explore the use of community spaces and shared residential rooms, as well as the implications that arise from some of the rooms facing the central community spaces, from the perspective of socio-spatial needs (including privacy, the sense of control and the sense of home and community). Design/methodology/approach This study analyzes and contrasts nursing home residents’ responses to the architectural design of two wards in a nursing home in Israel, one of which was partially remodeled based on the Green House Project, a model that aims to improve overall well-being through specific architectural design principles. Findings Among the residents, a sense of loss of control and being institutionalized may be linked to having to share rooms. A sense of autonomy gained by engaging in daily activities—such as washing clothes by hand and hanging them on a private balcony—was one of the highlights of the study, indicating how simple architectural decisions can enhance residents’ well-being. Observations of shared spaces suggest that residents did not use the large dining tables available to them; defined activity spaces for small groups may better match the current use. Originality/value As the first (and partial) implementation of the Green House Project in Israel, this case study provides a unique opportunity to examine the perceptions of residents who have transitioned from traditional ward settings to remodeled, home-like environments that are managed under the same administration.