Morven Lyngstad
BDes (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design
Koilia is a community space which aims to provide psychosocial support to people with coeliac disease, as the misinformation on the disease can lead to phycological and physical harm to individuals living with the condition. The aim of this project is to educate and create community through educating individuals and local businesses, while providing safe spaces for coeliacs to eat out. Through the spreading of knowledge on the topic, this design expands both the customer base for cafes and restaurants as well as the number of places that can accommodate people with coeliac disease.
The space is divided into four main zones. 1.The wellness centre which offers psychosocial support through medical and psychological consultations. 2. The experience library which is an exhibition and living archive of people’s personal experiences in connection with coeliac disease. 3. The restaurant which offers a safe space for coeliacs to eat out as well as cooking classes on preparing coeliac safe meals. 4. The food hall, where local businesses can showcase their gluten free options to the public.
The experience Library is an educational exhibition and living archive of personal experiences in connection with coeliac disease.
The experience library is predominantly digital, manifesting itself through a forest of speakers and screens inspired by soundwaves and the intestinal villi.
Visitors can add to the experience library through documenting their own stories within the recording pods.
Each zone within the building is connected, creating one giant community hub centred around community and the spreading of awareness on coeliac disease.
The restaurant provides a safe space for coeliacs to eat out and offers cooking classes for on preparing coeliac safe meals.
Cooking classes are offered to anyone, from individuals to local businesses in the food and hospitality industry.
Within the restaurant visitors will find an event space which can be used in connection with the experience library, restaurant, or food hall.
After being educated on the topic of coeliac disease, local businesses are offered the opportunity to showcase their gluten free options in the food hall.