Metamorphosis in the 4th stage of life...

Text: Sebastian Bäthies

For his installation "Pupa" for the Mathysweg municipal health centre for the elderly, artist Pedro Wirz has taken up the cycle of life. He has created 121 glass objects for the two atriums.

These are an expression of appreciation for the residents, to each of whom one of the cocoons is dedicated, symbolising the process from caterpillar to butterfly - this is not only a biological phenomenon, but also a metaphor for personal change and growth.

Because that is exactly what happens to the residents. They leave their loneliness behind and find a source of hope and inspiration in the new community, which helps them to manage their everyday lives independently for as long as possible. The friendly colour concept, the comfortable but functional furniture and the custom-made curtain solutions create a warm and familiar atmosphere.

Foto: © Birgit Groh

The rooms also offer enough space for personalised furnishings with personal furniture and mementos. They serve as a private retreat and have a bathroom with shower and toilet, a private balcony and a built-in wardrobe with fridge. Attractively designed common areas on the floors, some of which are equipped with kitchens, allow residents to meet and enjoy activities together.

Residents also have access to various rooms such as a library and a launderette. The age-appropriate health and fitness area with rest and relaxation zones helps to maintain physical health and independence for as long as possible. For communal living, there are rooms such as the "Farfalla" restaurant and a multi-purpose room as well as a hairdresser, fitness, podiatry and physiotherapy service, which can also be used by the neighbourhood population.

The new Mathysweg municipal health centre for the elderly is an open, permeable ensemble of buildings with charisma and a central character. The butterfly-shaped, six-storey building is respectfully embedded in its surroundings. Zingg-Lamprecht was able to be part of this pioneering project and, with its experts in the fields of furniture sourcing, project management and, ultimately, logistics, was able to make a decisive contribution to making the residents' 4th stage of life as pleasant as possible.