deStudio
DeStudio achieves this warm feeling of home by working according to the rest-noise-commotion principle. We see a building as a village where relaxation and energy alternate. People who desire peace and quiet can retreat to their own homes, and if there is a need for more stimuli and noise, the restaurant and living rooms offer commotion. The village includes beacons, landmarks that provide recognition. DNA is also incorporated into the storytelling of our design.
The challenge lies in the contrasts: is the interior attractive, homely and functional for residents, visitors and care staff alike?
DeStudio places the user at the centre. In fact, the furniture is secondary in the design, and it’s primarily about tactility, sensory stimulation, and creating an experience. Does something feel warm, soft, or rather rough? There should be variation because if everything feels the same, there’s nothing to choose from. And being able to make choices is crucial for residents, as it gives them a sense of control over their own lives and actions. A strong concept means having the right colour on the walls, a painting at the right height, and visible participation from the residents in both old and new elements. Since elderly people often can't go outside, we want to subconsciously encourage residents to stay active. We achieve this by creating visual landmarks and sensory stimulation in the corridors. The challenge also lies in contrasts: is the design atmospheric, homely, and functional for residents, visitors, and care staff alike?
At deStudio, we delve deeply into the client's vision and mission. We prefer to sit around the table with the architect early on so that we can help think about logical routing, sightlines and the translation of the DNA. Before any drawings are made, we mainly take stock. What does the space need. Quietness or energy? Who are the users? How does furniture support the story and how can we make that story ever more complete in our market sub-segments like elderly care, correctional institutions or care for the disabled.
We start with a blank sheet and then we start sketching a home, intuitively creating an experience. In this, we always take existing items and furniture budgeting into account. A strong concept is designed from a user perspective. As deStudio, we walk along in the process and offer guidance in all phases, steps and facets.
