Hedwich Hooghiemstra’s “A Moment of Quietude” Makes Space for GriefA Danish artist offers care facility residents space to mourn more than death
Hedwich Hooghiemstra is a Danish artist who specializes in architectural design. Through her research in long-term care facilities, she noted that most of these buildings contained what is called a […]
Hedwich Hooghiemstra is a Danish artist who specializes in architectural design. Through her research in long-term care facilities, she noted that most of these buildings contained what is called a “silent room,” where residents can go to grieve. Hooghiemstra observed that many of these rooms were religion-based and were mainly for people to grieve lost loved ones. However, the artist realized grief needs to be address in a much wider scope. That was the inspiration for “A Moment of Quietude,” one of her latest designs.
Hooghiemstra spent time speaking with psychologists, residents, mental caretakers and staff. She found that residents needed a place for not only grief, but reflection. Residents may need space to process the loss of many things, such as their independence, their former lives and their stronger bodies.
According to the artist, “Through these findings, we create a space that not only offers the residents a place to remember their lost loved ones but that gives space for reflection.” The design for “A Moment of Quietude” is created with calming colors, shapes and layout. It encourages its visitors to bring their feelings to the blank walls and rearrange, reconcile and remember them as they see fit.
Hooghiemstra believes, “With an ever-growing group of people of age, now, more than ever, it is time to look at medical care in a holistic way. To make sure that they have the space to deal with grief and mourning in a dignified manner.” The artist believes architectural design has a place in caring for the elderly. Intentional design can offer spaces for needed activities that there was previously no room for.
“A Moment of Quietude” was made possible by Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie.
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This caught my eye. I love this beautiful place to reflect!
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Hi Shooma,
Yes and beauty helps offer peace of mind at difficult times. Happy you enjoyed it.
Suzette Sherman, Founder SevenPonds
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This artist is correct. We do need to “look at medical care in a holistic way.” Most hospitals and long-term care facilities do not accept alternative medicines or the impact of the physical environment to help the elderly and the ill live a better life. As a society we need to shift our perspective regarding what constitutes care. I have encountered much resistance in our care facility. Projects like this are a first step.
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Hi Anthony,
Yes art tends to lead in helping people shift their perspective to bring positive change down the road in the future.
Suzette Sherman, SevenePonds
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Hi Anthony,
I couldn’t agree more. The physical environment can contribute to or detract from our physical and psychological well being in huge ways. We need to follow the lead of people like this artist and think about how the space we live in can make our lives richer and apply that to how we do elder “care”.
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