Multi-purpose with a twist: Emerging trends in senior ...

1 Lifespan perspective A different way of looking at design Special Edition: National senior Center Month Multi-purpose with a twist : Emerging trends in senior center focus and design For decades, Multi-purpose senior At the same time, a steady influx of image of the building, identified in center has been the standard label newcomer-providers from the private signage, etc. applied to (non-residential) facilities and nonprofit sectors are reaching out that house a variety of programs and to the growing senior audience with kitchen and dining room require- services for older adults. The multi- programs and facilities that focus on ments may be significantly more purpose nature of the institution is specific needs or interests, with multi- sophisticated than for a traditional evident in each organization's unique dimensional benefits.

2 As a result, there noon meals program mission statement, and in the design are all sorts of businesses, organiza- of the facility, which is typically a col- tions, and facilities out there today lection of flexible-use rooms, open that fit a generic definition for multi- spaces, and offices. purpose senior center, but don't bear the name, and may look and seem like Today, while most senior centers something entirely different. continue to serve older adults in multi- dimensional ways, many are adopting Not surprisingly, the buildings that specific areas of focus as the center- house today's senior centers and piece of their marketing approach, senior center alternatives are increas- image, and facility. Although their ingly diverse in location, size, and entry sequence and reception area mission and motivations remain truly style and more thoughtfully designed should complement caf ambience Multi-purpose , specific issues and than ever before.

3 While they all require other rooms and spaces are stra- corresponding programs and ameni- the insightful application of universal tegically located for privacy, sound ties may be positioned as the portal to design principles to accommodate control, and ease of access without their service network. clients of diverse ages and abilities compromising the flow or ambience effectively, those centers that incorpo- of the caf . rate specialized amenities also call for specialized design responses. We've cited some of the most frequently Fitness/wellness center encountered issues below. model Goal: support physical and mental Caf model health and wellness while promot- Lifespan Design Studio offers ing social interaction and providing a architectural studies, assessments, Goal: support nutrition, health, and point of access to other programs and planning, and design for new wellness while promoting social inter- services.

4 Construction and renovations. action, strengthening the community, and providing a point of access to Design considerations 10678 Bettyray Drive Loveland, Ohio 45140 other programs and services housed on-site like other health clubs, these facili- ties may include a mix of aerobic Design considerations and resistance training machines, stretching and free weight areas, Visit us on the web at: the caf /dining area is prominently dance/aerobics studios, and indoor located near the main entrance or outdoor tracks and may be reflected in the exterior may include one or more pools for create an inviting, non-intimidat- lounge/break-out space with kitch- exercise and therapy (warm water) ing ambience; provide a separate enette or caf . lounge space to support socializa- may include locker/shower rooms, tion saunas, steam rooms, and/or whirl- Facility requests reflect pools popular trends may include health suite and/or As senior center design specialists, physical therapy rooms we enjoy a front row view of trends and innovations on the leading edge unique audio/visual, sound, and in senior center programming and temperature/ventilation control administration.

5 Some of the design requirements requests we receive today reflect the creative use of popular trends and frequently include classrooms, technology as a means of generat- private counseling rooms, teaching ing funds to support center programs. kitchen, caf and/or lounge Recent requests have included an on- often require a separate entrance site thrift store (currently popular with may require a separate entrance for access when other portions of teens and college students in many for access when other portions of the facility are closed, or multiple areas), and an in-house e-Bay based the facility are closed entrances when housing multiple fundraising facility. agencies Lifelong learning model Many centers are responding to an client safety is of paramount con- influx of newly-retired baby boomers Goal: support lifelong learning, health/ with high profile re-employment and cern wellness, fitness, computer literacy, civic engagement offices to support second career training, and volunteer- the transition into second careers or ism/mentoring, while facilitating social retirement-alternative lifestyles.

6 Other interaction and providing access to increasingly familiar requests include other programs and services housed ceramics studios with multiple pottery on-site. wheels, and environmental-focused volunteerism offices. Design considerations flexible-use classrooms of various sizes, with adaptable lighting Technology center model convenient table and chair storage Goal: support computer literacy, lifelong learning, and social interac- room-by-room environmental con- tion while providing access to other trols programs and services housed on-site centrally located restrooms Design considerations: public address and sound control appropriate layout of computer sta- may incorporate specialized facili- tions and instructor's staging area ties for fitness, art programs, com- puter training, etc. special utility/wiring and other tech- nological requirements lighting and environmental controls Website and blog offer more on senior center design are of particular importance Join us online at and LinkedIn for drop-in access and control; security resources and information on issues related to senior center design.

7 Issues