Rehab (From Rehab)
Louise Lemoine & Ila Bêka / France & Switzerland / 2023 / 86 min
How can a building become part of the treatment in physical and mental rehabilitation? A film about architecture, bodies and universal design that could revolutionise the way we shape our shared spaces.
In Basel, two architectural firms have designed and created the REHAB rehabilitation centre. A hyper-modern building that offers specialised treatment for physical and neurological disabilities. The architecture is based on a holistic approach where the building is part of the treatment. There are windows in the ceiling so bedridden patients can see the sky. There are animals to be fed, wheelchair basketball, stairs to rehabilitate on, an art workshop and music therapy. In this innovative setting, we meet people who have been affected by strokes, industrial accidents or by the unfortunate play of chance. Filmmaker Louise Lemoine tells her own story of spending much of her childhood with her severely disabled father in various rehabilitation centres, which she describes as the worst rooms of her life. ‘Rehab (from Rehab)’ is a personal narrative and an inspiring take on how universal design and thoughtful architecture can change the way we organise the world.