Who lives in this house? What and who is needed for a feeling of home, connection, and community? Is there a symbol for togetherness, connection, and the future in the Freistadt residence? What colors characterize the landscape and the towns and houses of the region? Which places, whether landmarks or favorite spots, do I enjoy visiting?

The interior design process was preceded by a multi-stage process of thematic and formal development, which began in 2021 with staff members. Despite delays due to the pandemic, the process involved productive workshops, both online and in person. Implementation was completed in March 2023. Several workshops were also held with the clients of pro mente Upper Austria, some of whom were already residents of the existing locations in Freistadt and Bad Zell, while others were newcomers. These new residents represented a unique aspect of their daily lives. This long-term design process aimed to support a sense of “finding a place – taking a seat” on various levels and to strengthen the sense of connection within the new environment.

Portraits of the residents, made of acrylic glass, are displayed in the common room. These silhouettes were created from photographs taken by the residents on-site.

Large-format panoramic photographs on digital prints depict the places the residents identified as special and favorite spots in the region. These were taken during staged photo shoots on group excursions in the Freistadt district. The panoramic images are on display in the common rooms on each floor.

“Ground grass green,” “favorite spot yellow,” “multicolored air blue”—a series of colored transparencies invites the imagination, displaying words that staff and residents have chosen to associate with the region’s colors.