The aim of the KunstRaum Goethestrasse xtd project was to transform the experience of aging and confronting death in this “place of refuge” into an artistic expression for a place of remembrance and commemoration, in collaboration with the residents. This idea, driven by a vision and the experience of collaboration, would, according to Patrick Merz, offer residents and staff a space where they can pause and remember those who have passed away, both as residents and staff, and who had spent part of their lives in the residence.

The workshops at KunstRaum Goethestrasse xtd, supported by the design and craft collective, focused on memories for the residents. Starting with shared memories of colors, people, and nature, the participants explored forms of expression. Images were created. Selected motifs were then copied and standardized using a stencil technique at KunstRaum Goethestrasse xtd. The transfer of the drawings onto a stencil and then onto the tiles was a meticulous process undertaken by the design and craft collective, a process deeply rooted in the artists’ vision. A vibrant place of remembrance was created, offering residents the empowering feeling of “immortalizing” themselves with their drawings, leaving behind something of themselves that others will remember, and the experience of having created something together.

A miniature sculpture park has emerged. Within an elliptical enclosure of marble stones stand whitish metal columns of varying heights, supporting ceramic tile house-like structures. Drawings by residents adorn the walls of these houses. Each house embodies four stories from its inhabitants, connecting their memories.