Centre for Mental Health Neuss

Conceptual idea and signalling by Joachim Kubowitz - oui orientation and identity
Four houses - four colour chords - four shapes, plants and trees.

The simpler and clearer the place, the built and staged space in which I move, the easier and clearer orientation is possible. Then I can add stories and pictures to the necessary clues that show me ways and make goals clear, stories and pictures that "invite" me as a visitor, employee or patient, make me curious, maybe even give me pleasure. The realized concept - with vegetative forms, such as ginkgo, bamboo/cane, plane and cornflower - makes this clear: The elements of the concept in interaction: colour - vegetative form - name of the ward - legend The names of the wards are a further component for establishing identity and are easier to remember than numerical designations. The design concept starts at the top with the name of the ward, below it the signposting and the level on which the visitor/patient is located. The lower case gives the names of the wards a more human face, and the overall picture of the words is more harmonious and friendly. The four vegetative motifs as translucent foils on the glass surfaces are an attractive and effective way of providing casserole and, if necessary, privacy protection.

Joachim Kubowitz, oui orientation and identity, www.ouinfo.de
Source: Architecture and design meets psychiatry,L. Court judge, M. Köhne (Ed.)