When we were commissioned by Augustinum to design a day centre for people with dementia, we were immediately inspired. Our founder Sebastian had himself cared for dementia patients during his community service – so the subject has long been close to OOW’s heart. We also believe that good architecture can unleash its full potential in the healthcare sector: even seemingly small architectural details can improve lives in lasting ways. Forecasts underline the urgency: according to Alzheimer Europe, the number of people with dementia in Germany could rise from 1.6 million in 2018 to 2.7 million by 2050. This would mean an increase from 1.9 to 3.4 per cent of the population.
With the new day-care facility, OOW wanted to bring together three factors: an absolute sense of homeliness, outstanding architectural quality and aesthetics, as well as a high degree of functionality. In short: to create a care facility that doesn't feel like one. We are convinced that, in doing so, we have created a model for the future of how people in need of care live and dwell: buildings that are homely without any compromise on aesthetics and, at the same time, highly functional.
The spatial layout was designed around the needs of residents and staff, while carefully chosen materials increase both comfort and durability. Together with our client, we visited dementia facilities in Germany and abroad, interviewed carers, and evaluated the experiences of the Itzel Sanatorium near Bonn, also run by the Augustinum Foundation. On this basis, we developed an architectural concept that puts the needs of residents and carers at its centre. Conversations with carers quickly revealed that dementia care is only effective in small groups of four to five people – which is why we opted against large halls. The former shop and café space was divided into small, wave-shaped units. This created flowing spaces in which activity and rest are close at hand and groups can move flexibly between them. Adjoining the central lounge are rooms for activation, an atelier and a visitor area. In the activation room, alongside classic activities such as ball games and gymnastics, more unusual offers are provided: for instance, a table that transforms into a touchscreen on which users can catch insects or blow away leaves – a clever ceiling projection makes it possible. The “snoezelen room” forms the central relaxation space. Muted colours and lighting create a calm environment where residents can rest or take a nap. The kitchen opens into the dining area. A kitchen island encourages participation – whether preparing waffles or scrambled eggs. For those with less energy, simply watching an apple cake bake in the oven can be a pleasure. Flush-integrated induction hobs allow meals to be finished or kept warm. The large round table focuses attention on the act of eating together: its shape makes it easy to add an extra chair whenever a resident needs support. All furniture and materials were selected not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their suitability in a care environment. Handrails, for example, are three-dimensionally milled from solid oak and oiled. The flooring is made of robust vinyl yet appears like wood. Kitchen worktops are of engineered stone with a subtle groove that provides tactile orientation without the need for an additional rail. Indirect lighting is built into wall projections, and a dark skirting board provides a visual boundary between floor and wall.
But it is not only the arrangement of the rooms; the furniture and technical details, too, are fully tailored to the needs of the users. The clever part: the technology is meant to be invisible, so that residents don't have to compromise on homeliness.
Thus disinfectant and soap dispensers with sensors are hidden in the wash basin: here you have all the functions of a care facility, but one that doesn't come across as such. The same applies to the PC workstation, from which the care staff can keep an eye on the residents. What in normal facilities would be a glass box with files doesn't look like an office here - but like a piece of furniture that outwardly differs little from the other furnishings.
Doors without handles, for example, are suited to the storage space that care staff need - but which is not meant to be accessible to those in their care. Doors used by the residents are set apart in colour and have handles. Light switches for the residents form a contrast with the wall; those for staff are kept tone on tone. Functions can thus be made visible and invisible. The difference between paternalism and guiding assistance shows in the design of the furniture.
The same applies to the bathrooms: here a high-tech bath with a hinged door is installed, sparing residents an undignified procedure when getting in and out. While relaxing in the bath, the Samsung screen "The Frame" on the wall also helps - on it you can watch a film or view an oil painting from a gallery.
What has emerged at the Augustinum senior residence in Kleinmachnow is a showcase model for the care of people with dementia. The OOW team is incredibly proud: "Our work for senior citizens is a true labour of love," says Sebastian Blancke, Architect BDA, Founder of OOW. "The combination of meaningfulness, attention to detail and elegance makes them favourite projects of OOW!" The precision with which the team engaged with the life and living of people with dementia was something special: "Some subjects in our society we perceive only at the margins, and then surprise ourselves with the depth with which we are able to delve into them."
