Completed in 2013, FPPV designed a highly innovative interactive teaching space for Alzheimer’s Australia Vic’s Virtual Dementia Experience (VDE), based at the Perc Walkley Dementia Learning Centre, Parkville.

The space incorporates dementia friendly design throughout, and includes an interactive sensory perception space with state-of-the-art simulation technology. Colour changing LED lights, highly specified acoustic isolation and internal acoustic performance facilitates a highly controlled sensory environment. The sensory “scenario” is designed and manipulated from a separate operation room with audio visual connection to the sensory space.

Equipment is concealed in blacked out ceiling over floating acoustic discs which are white but affected by blue hues of lighting design.

The VDE, using a simulation created by Alzheimer's Australia Vic in collaboration with Melbourne game developers Opaque Multimedia, has been awarded the International 2014 Asia Pacific Information Communications and Technology Alliance (APICTA) Award for Education E-Learning, the National iAward in Education Category 2014, and the gold medal at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards 2015, for excellence in person, family and community-centred care.