Jun 23
Sou Fujimoto Architects have designed a home for the elderly with dementia in Noboribetsu, Japan.
The building is divided into two units across the entrance. Each unit has nine bedrooms, so 18 elderly in total live with the staff. 
The building is made of a large grided frame (see diagram below). The framing of space was designed to create connection and separation, producing a certain intonation of place. These spaces serve as a living and a dining area, in addition to sleeping accommodation. 
Location: Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido, Japan
Type Of Project: Group-home for assisted living
Structural Engineers: Jun Sato Structural Engineer
Project Architect: Sou Fujimoto
Design Team: Ayumi Motose
Client: Yamato-kai Medical Association
Tender date: August 2005
Start on site date: December 2005
Contract duration: August 2005. - March 2006
Gross internal floor area: 745m²
M&e consultant: Aida equipment / Yoshino Electronic
Main contractor: Yamamoto Contractors
Photography: Daici Ano
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— AR1 Comment
Daniel Hewitt wrote:
This appears to be an intriguing building. However, please could you add a more detailed explanation of how this kind of division of space (especially the triangular apertures and the apparent absence of any internal doors) is expected to aid people with dementia.
Posted on Jul 09 2009 at 09:49
