SHINING HEROES - PEOPLE WITH A SPECIAL GIFT

Text: Sebastian Bäthies

Wagerenhof, a ZEWO-recognised charitable institution, has over a century of experience in serving adults with cognitive impairments. Listed as a care home and with a service agreement with the Canton of Zurich, Wagerenhof offers needs-orientated residential, work and leisure facilities. A facility with a model character - where the individual counts and the community is lived.

Regardless of the type of impairment, care requirement or age, Wagerenhof does everything in its power to ensure that its residents enjoy the highest possible quality of life. The model practised is not a rigid construct, but a dynamic process that aims to strengthen the individuality and personal quality of life of each resident. Through systematic assessment and optimisation in eight core dimensions, Wagerenhof creates an environment that not only meets objective standards, but also takes the subjective perspective into account.

Active participation and involvement are promoted by encouraging residents to discover and develop their own resources.

The Wagerenhof is not a closed system. A wide range of businesses and services, which are also open to the population of Uster, as well as numerous events and leisure activities, create places for people with and without disabilities to meet and socialise.

The collaboration between Zingg-Lamprecht and the Wagerenhof Foundation is a living example of the interplay between professional expertise and social commitment. Already a long-standing customer of Zingg-Lamprecht, the foundation approached the company with a special request: to furnish various areas such as the library, meeting room, hall and bar.

What began as a simple enquiry quickly developed into a partnership. In an initial meeting, it became clear that Zingg-Lamprecht could not only fit out the furniture, but also provide design support. The aim was to design four rooms that would fulfil different needs and requirements. From a cosy ambience in the bar to a multifunctional space in the hall, the rooms should support the diversity of people with disabilities.

The collaboration also included the development of a colour and material concept, the further development of the usage concept and the planning of all carpentry work - carried out in the institution's own workshops. Despite the complexity of the project, it was important to Zingg-Lamprecht to keep to the cost price, as it is a charitable foundation.

In the end, Zingg-Lamprecht was not only able to develop the concept, but also supply the furniture. The collaborative partnership and close support during realisation ensured that the rooms were not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

The focus was on multifunctionality, independence and affordance. It was important that the use of the rooms is recognisable at first glance and that they give the residents of the Wagerenhof a feeling of home.