Amber Boes

Caregiving Together.

Living Independently with Care Needs.

Many older couples are forced to separate when one of them can no longer care for themselves. With my project, I want to offer these couples the opportunity to continue living together, despite one of them needing care.

I want to achieve this by creating a homely space that offers the residents the space and care they need. Rooms that can adapt to the residents' needs by being able to open up completely or close off areas from the rest of the interior. Suitable for a wheelchair or even a bed that can move throughout the house.

This can be achieved not only by opening up spaces, but also by rounding off sharp wall corners and using a floor that is easy to move around. Rooms have bright colours with high contrast, so that even when eyesight deteriorates, the perception of the space remains clear.

Connection within the room is important, as is the connection with the outside world and with other residents. Inspired by the Dutch courtyards, I want to create a new kind of courtyard community, where the courtyard isn't just a place to gather but also provides general care. It's important that people in similar situations can connect with each other, and that shouldn't be too big a step. With sightlines to each other and spaces that can open up to each other, people can look out for each other and easily connect.