Addressing the Challenges of Dementia
The VZW De Korenbloem Care Building, designed by Studio Jan Vermeulen + Tom Thys architecten, is a pioneering project that responds to the challenges posed by dementia. As the global population ages, the need for specialized architectural solutions that provide a comfortable and supportive environment for individuals with dementia becomes increasingly crucial.
Pilootproject Zorg: Innovating Healthcare Infrastructure
Initiated by the Flemish Government Architect and the Flemish Minister for Welfare, the Pilootproject Zorg (Pilot Projects for Invisible Care) called for innovative designs in healthcare infrastructure. Studio Jan Vermeulen, Tom Thys Architecten, and Sergison Bates Architects were selected to design the VZW De Korenbloem Care Building, one of the pilot projects aimed at exploring new models of collective living for elderly care.
Demographic Challenges and Care Campus
With demographic forecasts indicating a significant increase in the elderly population in Flanders by 2050, the VZW De Korenbloem Care Building is strategically positioned to accommodate the growing need for specialized care facilities. The care campus integrates new residential units and welfare services within a park-like landscape, catering specifically to individuals with early-onset dementia, stroke-related disabilities, and somatic symptom disorders.
Small-Scaled Living Areas
Central to the design philosophy of VZW De Korenbloem is the concept of small-scaled living. By creating clusters of buildings with distinct identities, the project fosters a sense of intimacy and familiarity for residents. This approach helps residents navigate their surroundings more easily, reducing disorientation and anxiety commonly associated with dementia.
Villa Landhuis: A Central Role in the Master Plan
Villa Landhuis, a neo-classical empire style villa designed in 1860, stands prominently within the care campus. This historic building has been adapted to serve as a daycare center, maintaining its grandeur while providing a nurturing environment for residents. The interconnected rooms within Villa Landhuis create a series of ‘small worlds’, offering a compact yet generous living space designed to meet the specific needs of vulnerable individuals.
New Building Design
The new three-story building at VZW De Korenbloem complements Villa Landhuis with its stepped volumes and classical-inspired facade elements. The design incorporates balconies, pergolas, and garden rooms to create a harmonious transition between the urban landscape and the privacy of the residence. Concrete stringcourses and slender columns add a rhythmic texture to the facade, while selected plants contribute to a lush green environment.
Integration with the Neighborhood
A key aspect of the design is its integration with the surrounding neighborhood. The project opens up the care campus to the community, creating social spaces and establishing a new route between the street and the park. This integration not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also promotes interaction and engagement with the broader community.
The VZW De Korenbloem Care Building sets a new standard in dementia care architecture, blending historical preservation with innovative design to create a supportive and enriching environment for its residents.
