Designing communal spaces that residents can truly call their own
As part of a collaboration between Woonzorg Nederland and the Bucky Lab at TU Delft, students were challenged to rethink the shared spaces in senior housing. The goal was not only to improve the appearance of corridors but also to strengthen identity, social interaction, and well-being through thoughtful, buildable design.
The result is Origranny—a modular wall system that transforms anonymous hallways into welcoming, interactive environments. Inspired by origami, the triangular geometry creates a striking visual language while allowing endless configurations to suit different buildings and communities.
Each triangular module serves a purpose. Residents can personalize the wall with flowers, photographs, keepsakes, and small shelves, while interactive folding elements invite touch and curiosity. Constructed from PET felt, the panels also improve the acoustic quality of the corridor, making shared spaces quieter and more comfortable.
Beyond decoration, Origranny creates opportunities for conversation and participation. Handmade flowers, personal objects, and changing displays encourage residents to contribute to their environment, fostering ownership and strengthening community ties. The modular concept also allows housing organisations to expand or adapt the installation over time, making it both flexible and future-proof.
This project demonstrates how relatively small design interventions can have a significant social impact. By combining aesthetics, functionality, acoustics, and personalization, Origranny shows how design can help transform a corridor into a meaningful place where people feel at home.
Students
Guilherme Pedote, Ginger Kant, Laura Matal, Cleo de la Llama-Celis
Supervisors
Dr.-Ing. Marcel Bilow, Ir. Nadia Remmerswaal
Partner
Woonzorg Nederland
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