Zollikofen
Senior Citizen Center
Residential

The design proposal for the building of a senior citizen centre in Zolilkofen, Switzerland, provides 172 places for clinical treatment and 57 OAP-friendly apartments. Its focal concept revolves around maximizing the floor plan’s flexibility while prioritizing the centre’s senior citizen program and the needs associated with housing the elderly.

Facilitated by modular typology and a clear structural design, the floor plan allows for maximum flexibility between residential use and clinical treatment areas. This involves a functional area with more than 30 care places on one level, while group use with a maximum of 15 inhabitants is also possible. Metal slats imbue the facades with a lively appearance, and also serve to shield the inhabitants from traffic noise and direct sun exposure.

A central axis connects six pavilion-like cubes, allowing for a meandering configuration of rooms. Two green courtyards are located alongside Berner Strasse and function as main entrances to the senior citizen centre, as well as to the neighbouring medical center and residential building. The cubes’ sequence along the street creates an urban front and also integrates the building into the rural character of its surroundings. On the ground floor, arcaded passages form a distinct and prestigious address for the project.

The design was awarded 1st prize in an invited competition, and the jury recommended the project for construction. The work was developed in cooperation with Feddersen Architekten.