The author of the project is Aleksandra Wisniewska, a student of interior architecture at the Faculty of Interior Design, Design and Scenography at the Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław. “Design of a day care home for the elderly in Wrocław” is her bachelor’s project.
The DODO Day Care Home was designed with the elderly in mind. The young architect set it on a plot of land on Osiniecka Street in Wrocław. The facility responds to the problems of an ageing society and is intended to be a comfortable place where seniors can spend their days while being professionally cared for.
The complex has an area of 1,000 square metres and is located in a green area of parks, forests, fields, ponds and new housing estates. It is a solution to the needs of an ageing population and a hint of a positive view of the future. The project was inspired by Alvar Aalto and his work, especially bioarchitecture, which fits structures into an already existing space so that interspecies harmony takes place and benefits are maximised.
We are talking about the field of neuroarchitecture, which has become a friend of mine in design. It explores the impact of a given space, colours, structures on human biology, that is, how our psyche changes in a given environment. And this is what became the basis for my project. An additional asset that always accompanies my work and builds our future is sustainable design. The use of natural, mainly local materials, a green roof, passive technology and double skin, which controls lighting naturally, are a few examples which, among other things, have a positive effect on the mind of seniors thanks to the variety of textures,” explains Aleksandra Wisniewska.
In total, the building consists of two interpenetrating volumes. In this way, the designer divided the building into two wings and two corridors with passageways through the patio located in the middle. The intersections are visible through the shape of the walls and ceilings, and the patio is the only non-intersecting element.
A highlight of the space is the huge windows that overlook the orchard. In the latter, seniors will be able to plant fruit and vegetables, the nurturing of which has a beneficial effect on their well-being. In addition, Aleksandra Wisniewska has designed workshop rooms for art and music activities and a sports room – a fitness and gym with the support of a physiotherapist.
There is also a psychotherapist’s office and a nurses’ station with direct access to the doctor’s surgery,” addsthe designer.
The DODO Day Care Home is crowned by a large common room with glazing overlooking the terrace and orchard. The large amount of greenery is in response to the results of neuroarchitecture research, which demonstrates the importance of being surrounded by greenery and the positive impact on the brain when gardening. A total of 50 people could use the facility. In addition, 30 people would work at the site. The comprehensive care is also complemented by a kitchen and technical facilities.
The thesis supervisor was Dr.-Ing. arch. Aleksandra Przybyła.
source: Aleksandra Wiśniewska
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