Working with Pusterommet is different. Even though it is located right in the middle of a hospital, it feels like a place you actually want to be – a room to catch your breath, both physically and mentally. Every element has been carefully considered to provide security and energy to those who use the room during demanding treatment. For CopyCat, it is extra special to be able to contribute to something that truly matters to people who need it most, through precise production, contour-cut text, film and images on aluminium that make the rooms both functional and polished.
The Active Against Cancer foundation, established by Grete Waitz and Helle Aanesen in 2007, works to ensure that personalised exercise is a natural part of cancer treatment. The 'Pusterommet' centres are specially adapted gym facilities at hospitals throughout Norway, and the new Active Against Cancer centre also includes a comprehensive competence centre with a research laboratory.
“Patients who use the Pusterommet centres say that the services provided there are completely vital for both their treatment and quality of life,” Active Against Cancer explains. “Tailored exercise helps with side-effects, strengthens the body and boosts mood, and Pusterommet also becomes a social meeting place where you can talk to others in the same situation. And most importantly of all – it doesn't feel like a hospital.”
A sanctuary where the details matter
The rooms are designed for activity, security and well-being. Here, users can work with their bodies in a way that strengthens both physical health and mental energy, while at the same time getting a little breather from everyday hospital life. Colours and material choices create a calm and inspiring atmosphere, and the rooms are equipped with quality equipment that makes training safe and efficient.
At CopyCat we have supplied and installed manifestation on walls and windows, including frosted film on glass, which provides flexibility and screening without blocking out the light. We have also supplied die-cut text that clearly highlights names, quotes and important elements in the rooms, as well as prints on aluminium which provide clarity and depth to the motifs, reflect the light in a pleasing way and give the rooms a solid and polished look. This is particularly effective on raw concrete walls, where the prints highlight contrast and create exciting visual dynamics. CopyCat has managed the pre-press graphic process, produced everything with high precision and installed it in place, ensuring the rooms appear cohesive, polished and fully functional.
The Conversation Rooms – a room just to be
In addition to the training rooms, there are dedicated counselling rooms, designed to provide peace and reassurance. Here, people can be exactly as they are, with all the emotions and thoughts that accompany a demanding treatment. The walls are painted in pleasant, muted colours, and striking nature photographs on aluminium panels give the room a sense of presence and calm. The conversations can take place in a safe and inspiring environment, where the space itself supports both reflection and rest.
Pride and collaboration
For CopyCat, this is more than just a project – it is a comprehensive job that we are truly passionate about. We have delivered several Pusterom across the country, from managing the graphic process to production and installation, and our experience enables us to take responsibility for every detail. Seeing the completed rooms, where everything works and makes sense for the users, gives us at CopyCat an immense sense of pride. We are looking for more clients who want this holistic approach – a collaboration where both function and aesthetics are taken care of from start to finish.
The result
The Breathing Space acts as a small oasis in the middle of the hospital. Here, one can catch one's breath, both physically and mentally, and feel that one has a break from everyday life as a cancer patient. Users have reacted positively: “They thoroughly enjoy themselves – think it has turned out completely fantastic. Feel privileged,” says Active Against Cancer.
Three words that describe the room: Immaculate – Well-executed – Breathtaking.
