Hedwich Hooghiemstra’s “A Moment of Quietude” Makes Space for Grief

Credit: Studio Hedwich Hooghiemstra

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.

Credit: Studio Hedwich Hooghiemstra

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.

Danish artist and graduate of the Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen, Hedwich Hooghiemstra

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.