The project, Diamond for Dementia by Haugen/ Zohar Arkitekter, is a winning entry in a competition for upgrading an outdoor electrical supplier in a healthcare center for people suffering from dementia. The project intention was to transform the supplier’s old concrete walls into a jewel, a diamond, giving a focal point to the space, which the user could relate to as a steady though ever-changing reference. Since dementia is a condition that impacts one’s memory and other sensory related functions that many of us may take for granted, this project can provide a healthy experience for patients suffering from the condition and a rewarding experience for visitors and other users at the center. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Dementia is a general term for a group of brain disorders that involve mental decline and affects (among other things) the abilities of recent memory and visual-spatial function. The ability to learn and recall new information declines, which results in disorientation, especially in new surroundings.
The supplier is situated in the middle of an outdoor patio enclosed by three stories high entrance space and patients rooms. The design is based on 300x300mm module; Injection molded Polycarbonate tiles. The tiles are mounted on water cut translucent PC plates. Steel spacers are used for achieving depth and reflection as well as enabling ventilation for the electrical facility. LED armatures distribute light through the tiles veins, giving yet another expression and emphasizing the pattern along the long dark Norwegian winter.
The designed tile for covering the supplier is a module of 300x300mm, designed to be assembled together creating patterns and depth. The tiles are made by injection molding of Polycarbonate that enables reflection of daylight and the ever-changing sky in the region.
Architects: Haugen/Zohar Arkitekter Location: Askøy, Norway Team: Espen Berheim, Marit Justine Haugen, Dan Zohar Year: 2011 Area: 18sqm. Client: Askøy Municipality Injection Molding: Plasto as
