2006-08
RONALD MCDONALD’S KINDERSTAD
DESIGN COMPETITION
materials: Lexan, wood, Philips VidiWall DPIX 600
approx. L: 8 x W: 1,8 x H: 2,3 m
lighting, photos: Philips BV

Sponge Architects, Amsterdam assigned the interior design of the Children’s City — in Dutch: “Kinderstad”. These, were 2 extra floors on top of a hospital, meant to give to the young patients amusing moments which help them through their illness.
In my opinion, for better results, Kinderstad had to outstand from the hospital both in environment and distance. With this in mind, my proposal was an 8 meters long tunnel serving as entrance to the Kinderstad. The tunnel evolves gradually from hospital to Kinderstad and in doing so, aims for the psychosomatic effects of cheerfulness in the children. It represents the transition between the 2 different worlds and attempts to recreate the state of mind of a journey. From hospital to Kinderstad means: square to round, serious to playfull, static to motion, silent to sounds. The LED lighting behind the semi-transparent plastic walls allows for the creation and animation of different atmospheres throughout the year.