1. Michael Härteis . www.kunst-verorten.de . info@kunst-verorten.de . Tel: +49-176-8137 8258
Art in Residential Homes for the Elderly
In February, Michael Härteis was invited to participate in an exhibition on Universal Design
at Munich Creative Business Week, a city-wide conference that focused on architecture
and design. Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be usable by
all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized
design. Universal Design can be seen as the creative process applying Article 27 (1) of
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that everyone has the right freely
to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in
scientific advancement and its benefits. But how do the elderly, some physically, others
mentally challenged, enjoy art or participate in the cultural life once they moved into a
nursing home? What kind of art are they exposed to? To get more insight, Michael visited
six facilities to examine the application of art.
The research showed that all six
nursing homes were furnished with
art, mainly with framed drawings,
paintings, prints, or photography.
Sculptures could only be found in
two facilities, an unfortunate fact,
as a high percentage of the seniors
are visually impaired. These handi-
capped seniors would highly
benefit from the tactile qualities
sculptures provide. None of the
residential homes for the elderly
owns video, light, or sound art.
The high potential of these forms
of art could stimulate the intellect and multiple senses of the elderly. However, it still
needs to be uncovered by those in charge.
One particular problem exists at secure Elder Care facilities for those suffering dementia.
Due to the resident's mental limitations - first loosing their short term memory, later their
long term memory - they often forget what their hospital bed looks like. In such cases, the
staff guides them to this "normal" bed, which looks more like their previous, personal bed.
The room you see sometimes functions as a bedroom, but it does not feel warm and
welcoming to those in need. Thus, to improve the aesthetics of the room, Michael has
created these two concepts that show how artwork by Julia Blaukopf and Reiner John can
completely change the environment.
Same applies for this public seating area, where visitors and residents meet.

2. Michael Härteis . www.kunst-verorten.de . info@kunst-verorten.de . Tel: +49-176-8137 8258
But not only the elderly need to experience the positive aspects of art in residential
homes. Medical professionals and all other members of staff should benefit from an
aesthetic improvement within the facilities. The availability of an active arts program
integrated into the healthcare environment was found to be a major consideration for
healthcare staff when seeking employment or considering whether to remain in their
current position (Staricoff & Loppert, 2003).
Therefore, the caretaker, nurses and doctors
need to be involved when identifying locations
for artwork and selecting the final piece. Not
only public areas need to be considered. Staff
rooms, like this underground meeting room,
have the same importance like any other area
in the building.
The provided solutions for this meeting room
use the existing windows as light boxes. The
functionality of the room is not affected. The
inclusion of art shows respect to caregivers
and, in return, improves their job satisfaction.