Architecture and environment have a major impact on people with dementia. They perceive everything in a very direct way, without the possibility of using a cognitive filter. That is why the environment must always have a warm, safe and friendly appearance. It must be immediately clear where you are and what situation you are in, making it a pleasantly safe place. Both behaviour and mood are strongly influenced by this.
The extension for people suffering from dementia, detached from the main building, was added via a won competition. The new building consists of two round pavilions, connected by a spacious hall. The residents can therefore walk around without getting lost. Due to the large differences in level in the landscape, one pavilion consists of one layer and the other pavilion consists of three layers. The residents’ living areas are on level 0 of both pavilions, with each pavilion accommodating ten private single rooms and one quadruple room around large communal areas. Each level has a large living room on level 0 where daily activities take place. Adjacent to the living room is a spacious kitchen where you can cook together. Every pavilion on level 0 has a summer and a winter garden. The required therapy rooms are also located at level 0. In the pavilion of 3 layers, a parking facility has been provided for the employees on level -1. At level +1 the general areas are situated for employees, supervisors and doctors and there are guest rooms and a training room.
Due to the great variety of design, natural materials and transparent colours according to the glaze technique tailored to the target group, the living spaces for the residents have been given a homely feel with sufficient positive stimuli for the brain. The foregoing also ensures that there are sufficient recognition points, thereby promoting orientation. Each pavilion with its living room borders on a large terrace and also has access to their communal garden for various activities. The separation to the public part of the park is formed by a long chicken run.
The inspiring safe green environment in relation to the building embraces demented people.
Size of the project approximately 3,130 m2