Healthcare/

Carpe Diem Dementia Village

Project information

  1. Location Bærum, Norway
  2. Area18.000 m²
  3. Construction cost735 mill NOK

Project details

  1. Year2017 — 2020
  2. StatusCompleted
  3. Partners HENT
    Bjørbekk & Lindheim
    Norconsult
    Cadi
    Contiga
  4. Client Bærum municipality
  5. Scope Hospital and health care planning and design
    Residential design

An opportunity to lead a normal life

The award-winning Carpe Diem Dementia Village is designed so people suffering from dementia can continue leading normal lives and stay connected to the local community while receiving the care they need. Breaking down the barriers between residents and the surrounding neighbourhood, the bistro, urban square, walking route and other facilities are open to family members, nurseries, the local population, and anyone else who wishes to visit.

The village consists of 136 communal housing units and 22 high-care dementia units, inn addition to common areas.
Carpe Diem has exceeded all expectations of what a healthcare facility can be. In an empathetic manner, the dementia village meets the needs of a vulnerable group that has long been neglected. Design and Architecture Norway (DOGA) Read more here (Norwegian): Gjeve priser til inkluderende arkitektur

Welcome in to the village

Below you can watch the film Design and Architecture Norway made to show off the best inclusive project in the country!

PLAY Carpe Diem Dementia Village - Trailer EN

Featured on Open House Worldwide

A film about Carpe Diem was one of two main contributions to the international festival Open House Worldwide from Norway. Watch below!

PLAY Carpe Diem Dementia Village Main programme OSLO

Village feel

Designed to cultivate the familiar domestic atmosphere of a small village, the residences, housing- and treatment centre, and community centre are broken up into smaller units, separated by gardens and squares. Varied building heights and roof typologies adds to the friendly neighbourhood feeling.

Photo: Benjamin A. Ward
Photo: Benjamin A. Ward
Photo: Benjamin A. Ward
Photo: Benjamin A. Ward

Recognisable surroundings

People suffering from dementia often have trouble recognising their surroundings and finding their way. It is therefore crucial that all areas are perceived as clearly identifiable spaces. We have added various markers and easily recognisable elements throughout the village to ease wayfinding and help make the residents feel at home.

  1. Photo: Inger Marie Grini
  2. Photo: Inger Marie Grini
  3. Photo: Inger Marie Grini
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Early concept sketches

Everything you need inside the village

Walking routes within the village

Low familiar building types

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