Interior Design Student Reimagines Memory Care in Tribute to Grandmother
Nathan Bochicchio, Interior Design '25, presents a model of the memory care facility he designed (Photos by Gail Harris)
Interior Design student Nathan Bochicchio’s recent project was more than just an academic exercise—it was a love letter to his late grandmother, Jean Tartagllia Bochicchio.
His project, JTB Wolcott Village, presents a thoughtfully designed memory care facility that champions personal identity and human-centered living.
The inspiration for JTB stems from the Wentworth Institute of Technology student’s own experiences with his grandmother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2010. For more than a decade, Bochicchio watched her navigate several different care facilities, an experience that left a lasting impact.
"As her illness progressed, I saw how none of the facilities truly supported her cognitive or emotional well-being," Bochicchio said. "Through my time at Wentworth, I learned how thoughtful design can profoundly influence mood, memory, and dignity. The contrast between her vibrant spirit and the institutional spaces she lived in became the driving force behind this project."
This personal connection is the foundation of the project's design philosophy. Bochicchio set out to create a space that moves beyond the institutional model, offering instead a true home that supports and honors its residents.
The project is grounded in real-world inspiration: the 24-acre site of the recently closed Wolcott View Manor in Connecticut, a 50,000 sq. ft. facility where his grandmother once lived.
JTB Wolcott Village blends the person-centered ethos of the Dutch Model of dementia care (an approach that prioritizes small, home-like households and resident autonomy) with the understated warmth and simplicity of Scandinavian design. The result is a concept for a comfortable, human-scaled environment that nurtures independence, identity, and emotional comfort.
Key features of the design include:
- Familiar Neighborhoods: The facility is organized into small, familiar neighborhoods that mirror daily life, including socializing, resting, and gardening.
- Intuitive Wayfinding: Rather than relying on confusing signage, the design uses spatial rhythm, contrasting materials, and architectural cues (like subtle ceiling transitions and detailed millwork) to guide residents.
- Connection to Nature: Drawing on biophilic design principles (the idea that connecting people with nature enhances well-being) the facility incorporates large windows, indoor greenery, and a generous walking garden to support cognitive and emotional health.
- Calm and Comfort: Soft, non-reflective lighting is used throughout the space to reduce sensory overstimulation and create a sense of calm.
"Our elderly, especially those with terminal illnesses, are too often overlooked or forgotten," Bochicchio said. "This project is a response to that cultural neglect. It's both a tribute to my grandmother and a call to reimagine how we care for our aging population."
