Children’s health – a matter close to our hearts! The private clinic for child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy at "Schlössli" in Oetwil am See has integrated an evolved version of the Health Concept initially developed by dan pearlman for Clienia in 2014 into its new building, which opened in 2024.
The “Schlössli” private clinic in Oetwil am See has a long-standing tradition. Founded in 1889 by Gottlieb Hinderer, it has been dedicated to the care and treatment of people with mental illnesses for 136 years. Since 1979, its services have expanded to include outpatient and day-care facilities in Wetzikon and Uster. In 2008, the clinic merged with Littenheid Psychiatric Private Clinic (TG) to form Switzerland’s first private psychiatric clinic group, operating under the name Clienia. Today, the Oetwil site includes 17 wards with 279 beds, supplemented by the outpatient services at Clienia Psychiatry Center Wetzikon. The Clienia Group successfully combines tradition with modern innovation and has become Switzerland’s largest provider of psychiatric services.
At Clienia Young, children and adolescents should feel comfortable and safe during their stay at Schlössli. To achieve this, dan pearlman developed and implemented a pioneering interior design concept that creates a therapeutic environment optimized to support the healing process of young patients.
The spatial concept originally developed by dan pearlman for Clienia Littenheid in 2014 gained recognition far beyond Switzerland. Given this success, dan pearlman’s brand architects were once again commissioned to develop the interior architecture concept for Clienia Young at Schlössli in Oetwil. For the new building, dan pearlman had the opportunity to thoroughly reassess and refine the format with insights gained over the past decade. Through a co-creative process involving patients, doctors, and caregivers, the concept was completely reimagined and tailored to meet the needs of young patients. Much like the successful format at Clienia Littenheid, the Oetwil concept integrates a narrative-driven approach, using mascots and ambassadors that help patients navigate the clinic, create a sense of belonging, and reinforce the therapeutic environment.
Upon arriving at Oetwil, children and adolescents enter the fantastical island world of Papillonia. This world is home to four unique islands, each inhabited by animals known for their positive traits, which help guide young patients through their healing journey and prepare them for the future. Island 1: The Cave Island – Home of Fabi, the Creative Gecko. Focus: Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A). Nine inpatient treatment spots for adolescents aged 14-17. Fabi is inventive, resourceful, and always finds a creative way out of any situation. Island 2: The Ice Island – Home of Billy, the Empathetic Penguin. Focus: Acute Mental Health Treatment. Nine inpatient treatment spots for children and adolescents in an acute stage of mental illness. Billy is caring, loyal, and always looks after others while giving them space when needed. Island 3: The Forest Island – Home of Claude, the Kind-Hearted Bear. Focus: Therapeutic Programs for Various Mental Health Conditions. Nine inpatient treatment spots. Claude is calm and composed, always taking a deep breath to maintain serenity in stressful situations. Island 4: The Knowledge Island – Home of Woody, Walli & Winny, the Clever Owls. Focus: Clinic School – Academic Support and Personal Growth. Woody, Walli, and Winny each have unique strengths in reading, problem-solving, and creativity, helping young patients build confidence and success in learning.
The characters of Papillonia were co-created by dan pearlman, doctors, caregivers, and patients to serve as guides and emotional companions throughout the clinic. Alex the Butterfly – The lively explorer of Papillonia, traveling from island to island and introducing children to their new world. Fabi the Gecko – The creative problem solver, always finding inventive solutions and making others laugh. Claude the Bear – The embodiment of patience and resilience, staying calm in all situations. Billy the Penguin – The caring and reliable friend, ensuring that no one feels alone. Woody, Walli & Winny the Owls – The intellectual trio, each specializing in reading, analytical thinking, and storytelling to help young patients thrive. Unlike conventional clinical environments that focus on medical conditions, the Papillonia concept highlights the positive attributes of each character, making it easier for patients to identify and engage with their surroundings.
The holistic spatial concept first introduced in Littenheid has been continuously refined over ten years. In the two years leading up to the opening in late 2024, the team worked with children, adolescents, doctors, and caregivers in three-day workshops to reimagine the story and characters. A key refinement in the 2024 update includes a stronger emphasis on positive character traits rather than medical conditions, a refreshed visual identity with new illustrations by artist Vidam (Attila Szamosi), and a calmer color palette that promotes a sense of tranquility and well-being. The updated design extends across patient rooms, common areas, bathrooms, furniture, and decor, creating a cohesive and comforting environment.
The new clinic building was commissioned by Hinderer Liegenschaften AG. The architecture was designed by Burckhardt Architektur AG, with project management led by Ghisleni Partner AG. The dan pearlman team included Tilman Dachselt (Strategy), Marius Bell & Pauline Pommerenke (Architecture), Elena Schlöndorff (Project Management), Cathleen Thoms (Graphic Design), and Louisa Catharina Hoetink & Anna Wember.
Photos: © Dürr Architekturfotografie
