Bachelor's thesis by Laura Nebe in summer semester 2023 | Focus on space
The design of the integrated kindergarten in the St. Monika retirement home aims to bring the lightness and impartiality of children back into the existing residential home in order to lure the residents out of their rooms so that they can participate in communal life again. The residential home for senior citizens is located in the middle of Neugereut, on a lively market square, but there is an oppressive silence in the building that separates older people socially and spatially from society. The kindergarten at the base of the existing building will become a new focal point of the residential home thanks to a new entrance and intergenerational meeting spaces such as a shared kitchen, a restaurant and a garden.
The flowing room layout in the kindergarten design reflects the playful energy and light-heartedness of the children. The play corridor not only serves as a space for communal activities, but also houses the kitchen, washbasin and access to the garden area. Small side rooms are separated from the large group rooms for the different groups of children by alcoves.
The former therapy area has been converted into a large play area, as the glazed swimming pool is no longer used. Here, different heights and playful, climbing elements create creative chaos for the children. A playful yet clear color concept ensures a clear division of the individual groups and rooms. Each child has their own space, which is defined by the color concept and the design of the room.
The design "Growing together - big and small" emphasizes the value of intergenerational interaction and growing together. It reminds us that people of all ages can learn from each other.
The bachelor thesis was supervised by Prof. Diane Ziegler
