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 centre, OOW aimed to unite three factors: a homely atmosphere, outstanding architectural quality and aesthetics, and high functionality. In short: to create a care facility that does not feel like one. We are convinced that this represents a model for the future of living and housing for people in need of care – buildings that combine homeliness and high functionality without compromising on aesthetics.
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.
Not only the arrangement of the rooms, but also the furniture and technical details are fully tailored to the needs of the users. The twist: The technology is not meant to be visible so that the residents do not have to compromise on comfort.
Disinfection and soap dispensers with sensors are hidden in the washbasin: There are all the functions of a care facility available, but it doesn’t come across as one. The same applies to the PC workstation, which allows the nursing staff to keep an eye on the residents. What would be a glass box with folders in a normal facility does not look like an office here – but rather resembles other pieces of furniture from the outside.
Handleless doors serve as storage for staff but remain inaccessible to residents, while doors for residents are highlighted with colour and equipped with handles. Light switches for residents contrast with the wall, whereas those for staff blend in. Functions can thus be made visible or invisible. The design of the furniture embodies the fine line between patronising and gently guiding support.
This applies to the bathrooms as well: a high-tech bathtub with a wing door spares residents the undignified procedure of climbing in and out. While relaxing in the bath, a Samsung “The Frame” screen on the wall allows films or classic oil paintings to be enjoyed.
At the Augustinum senior residence in Kleinmachnow, a pioneering model for dementia care has been created. The OOW team is proud: “Our projects for senior citizens are a true matter of the heart,” says OOW founder Sebastian Blancke. “The combination of meaningfulness, attention to detail and elegance makes them OOW’s favourites.” The precision with which the team engaged with the realities of life and living for people with dementia was something special: “Some issues in our society we only notice in passing – and then surprise ourselves with the depth to which we are able to immerse ourselves.”
