Elderly Home Bruggli, Netstal

Refurbishment of the lighting of a retirement centre

Interior/Exterior lighting design

Scope of work: Concept up to and including commissioning

Architect: Bob Gysin Partner Architekten

Timeline: 2021 – completion

Visualisation: Bob Gysin Partner Architekten, spektrum

A humbling yet always challenging task to design a communal center that strives to bring a feeling of home to spaces shared by strangers, old and new. When the building houses the elderly, the challenges are greater, with the concept of design becoming secondary to the strict norms and standards designed to aid the fragile and/or visually impaired. Higher lighting levels and greater uniformity ensure a space that is easily read and understood, while decorative elements are restricted to only where their presence requires reference and direction.

Circular luminaires of varying sizes softly diffuse light throughout the circulation and main gathering areas of the elderly home, Bruggli. Large decorative pendants define the double height welcome hall, directing your attention towards the interconnected spaces and helping to guide people to where they need to go. The semi-public area of the restaurant and café is accessed through an open staircase in the hall and welcomes residents and visitors with a playful layout of diffused light spheres above the tables.

The refurbishment of this elderly home has a simple yet classical lighting layout but still allows for the discovery of some surprisingly inviting spaces, creating a unique character to a building that can be called a home.