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THE SEASONS ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

INTERIOR DESIGN THESIS GEORGIA BROWN

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 05 Driving Question 07 Thesis Narrative RESEARCH 11 Precedent Studies 15 Interview with Peter Brown 23 Color & Contrast’s Relationship with Aging Eyes 25 Way-finding 27 Site Context CONCEPT 33 35 37

Design Concept Color Palette & Murals Materials

SPATIAL DESIGN 41 Diagrams 43 Floor Plans 46 Unit Types 47 Sections & Axons PERSPECTIVES 51 Lobby 53 Fireplace Lounge 57 Hallway Way-Finding 59 Library 63 Cafeteria 65 Cafe Bar 69 Family Event Space 73 Physical Therapy Fitness Center 75 Nurses Station APPENDIX 77

Annotated Bibliography

INTRODUCTION Driving Question Thesis Narrative

DRIVING QUESTION

How can design reshape the experience of memory care by crafting environments that evoke recognition, foster meaningful connection, and gently adapt to the emotional, sensory, and cognitive shifts that come with aging, while honoring personal identity and a sense of home?

THESIS NARRATIVE

The aging process can be both beautiful and challenging, often impacting one’s sense of identity—something I’ve seen firsthand through my grandparents’ experiences in senior care environments. I saw how poor accessibility, lack of meaningful engagement, and impersonal environments not only caused the residents to feel disconnected and diminished in quality of life, but also deeply affected our family as we spent time in spaces that felt more institutional than welcoming. This thesis is my way of advocating for the conditions I’ve observed in senior care, and it’s dedicated to my family, whose journey through aging has deeply shaped and inspired this work.

RESEARCH Precedent Studies Interview With Peter Brown Color & Contrast’s Relationship With Aging Eyes Way-finding Site Context

PRECEDENT STUDY A

Facility: Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center Location: Philadelphia, USA Size: 150,700 sq-ft. Architect: NORD Architects Completed: 2023-2025 (expected) Description: NORD Architects’ first U.S. project, the Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center in Pennsylvania, exemplifies how design can enhance memory care through flexibility, variation, and inclusivity. The 150,700-square-foot assisted-care campus in Lancaster’s Willow Valley Communities will feature 140 residential units alongside community spaces for both residents and the public. Drawing from previous experience designing care centers, such as the Alzheimer’s Village in France, NORD Architects aims to create a welcoming environment that fosters knowledge and care around dementia. This project serves as a compelling precedent for my thesis, demonstrating how thoughtful design can enrich the experiences of memory care residents. Its emphasis on balancing care with community aligns with my goal of designing spaces that support emotional well-being and cognitive engagement. By transcending institutional norms, the project highlights the potential for dynamic, adaptable environments that prioritize identity, connection, and dignity.

PRECEDENT STUDY B

Facility: The Watermark at Napa Valley Location: Napa Valley, California Size: 201,043 sq-ft. Architect: SMITHGROUP Completed: 2020 Description: The Watermark at Napa Valley re-imagines senior living by blending contemporary agrarian design with the active lifestyle of California wine country. Featuring 173 residences, including 22 dedicated to memory care, the community emphasizes spacious, light-filled living spaces and seamless indoor-outdoor connections. Its design fosters engagement through lush gardens, scenic courtyards, and a range of amenities, such as multiple dining venues, a fitness center, a full-service spa, and a Pilates/yoga deck. The Watermark serves as a relevant precedent for this thesis by demonstrating how thoughtfully designed environments can enhance identity, wellbeing, and cognitive engagement. Its integration of luxury, nature, and community aligns with the goal of redefining memory care through sensoryrich, personalized spaces that promote dignity and joy. This approach challenges outdated institutional models, offering a vision for senior living that prioritizes connection, comfort, and holistic wellness.

INTERVIEW

WITH PETER BROWN

Name: Peter Brown Position: AECOM | AVP | Principal, Director of Interiors Location: Roanoke, VA Medium: Video Call & Questionnaire Reason For Interview: Interviewing Peter Brown, my Dad, was a crucial step in bridging personal experience with professional design expertise. Our shared experiences with assisted living, senior living, and memory care facilities provided valuable insight into the emotional and practical challenges of these environments. By incorporating his design perspective and knowledge, I aim to ground this thesis in both a personal narrative and the expertise of a seasoned designer, ensuring that every design decision in the project is informed by real-world experience and thoughtful, user-centered design principles.

Can you share your personal experience with having a parent or loved one in a senior living or memory care facility?

My parents entered into a combination of Assisted Living (Dad) and Long Term Nursing Care (Mom) in January of 2021. They had been living independently in a single family home. Dad was 78 and Mom was 73. My dad has had Parkinson’s disease for about 30 years now and needed mom’s support with household duties, as well as driving. Mom, who was recently retired at the age of 70, had suffered some decline in mobility and cognition. Finally, in November of 2020, Mom had an accident and broke her hip. After her surgery, she was not able to regain mobility, and her cognitive decline increased. We made the difficult decision to look for a new solution for the two of them - knowing the level of care that they needed would be different for each one, but that we also wanted them to be together as much as possible.

What were the biggest concerns or priorities you had when choosing a memory care/ALF facility for your parents?

(For clarity, neither is in Memory Care.) Priorities for us when choosing a solution for Mom and Dad included: A location that could support Mom in long-term nursing care and a solution that would allow Dad some level of independence in an Assisted Living environment while having them close together (ideally under the same roof) so that they could see each other daily without significant assistance from others. Cost of care. Mom and Dad were both retired and had some financial assets as well as social security benefits. But, we needed to ensure that they would have enough money to pay for them for the rest of their lives - or at least until they might be eligible for government assistance through Medicaid. Convenience to family. We wanted to find a location that would be convenient to family members so that we could visit Mom and Dad regularly and check up on their ongoing care. Quality of the facility. We looked for a location that would allow them quality living spaces personally, while also providing community service amenities. Quality of care. We wanted a facility with a strong reputation for personal care to the residents.

How has your emotional journey evolved since your parents moved into a senior living/memory care facility?

It has definitely been emotional to locate Mom and Dad in a senior living/ nursing home facility. We had a lot of personal guilt early on in feeling that they would be better off living with us or another family member. We knew that we wouldn’t be able to care for them without quitting our own jobs (which was not possible) or even possibly moving to another home which would be equipped for their needs. But ultimately, we had to come to terms with the reality of understanding that we were not personally equipped to support them on our own. While we could have cared for Dad (he’s still in Assisted Living) we could not have cared for Mom, and it was the right decision to have Dad located close to Mom. Its also very difficult not knowing what kind of care they are receiving when we are not there. I think one of the most difficult aspects is feeling like we are leaving them isolated whenever we are not there. And, while there is some truth in that, its become important that we understand what opportunities there are for each of them to connect with each other, others within the facility, as well as others from outside of the facility. We’ve had to learn that we cannot be there all of the time and cannot do everything for them on our own. We’ve been very grateful for others who also love them and have taken the initiative to visit and spend time with them - including helping with Doctors appointments and other tasks that can also weigh on us and the stresses in caring for them.

From your visits, how would you describe the overall atmosphere of the facility? What kind of environment did it create for both residents and family members?

Mom and Dad’s facility is an older facility, but it is kept up well and is clean and inviting. While we chose this facility because it met some of our main priorities (such as providing Assisted Living and Long Term Nursing under one roof), we have had challenges with a number of aspects that would be much better if different. Some examples include: • The Assisted Living Facility (ALF) where my Dad lives was originally built as independent living. The rooms do not meet ADA requirements which can be challenging even when my dad does not yet require a wheelchair. The bathroom is small, does not offer an ADA turning radius, and lacks the required clearances at doorways. When we bring Mom over to visit dad (in her wheelchair) we are unable to assist her in the bathroom and getting around in the apartment is challenging with a wheelchair. Also, while Dad currently uses a walker, or rollator, we know that his mobility is declining and the non-accessible environment will not allow for him to age in place. As a result, he may be forced to prematurely shift into the long term nursing environment, when he likely could remain in assisted living for longer, simply because the built environment will not accommodate his needs to age in place. • Within the ALF, Nursing stations are not located on every floor, and it can be challenging for residents, and families, to get to a nursing station when needed. Medicine distribution carts often block the hallways as there are not designated locations for them. This can also be challenging as it blocks mobility for residents in wheelchairs, or using rollators. • Commons areas are fairly limited, and do not necessarily allow space for families to entertain with the resident family member. When we have a group of family members over to visit with Mom and Dad (on holidays, etc.) its difficult for all of us to fit in Mom or Dad’s room, and the facility does not have many places that can accommodate a group of 6-12 (or more) people. Having several rooms that could be used impromptu, or with a reservation, would be nice for visiting with families. • The dining room and other amenities do not necessarily support guests well. When Mom and Dad entered the facility, it was just after the Covid-19 pandemic and guest were not allowed to visit in public areas. However, now that we are in a more normal time of operations, it would be nicer if service areas (like the dining spaces, or movie theater, etc.) would be more accommodating to encourage engagement with families.

• Mom’s room within the long term nursing facility is more institutional (like a hospital room). There is very limited space for family members to visit. Many (most of the resident rooms) are actually two-person shared rooms which make visiting with family members even more challenging. This facility has very few commons areas and would benefit from more commons/visitation areas outside of the rooms for families to enjoy with their loved ones. • The long term nursing rooms do not include showers within the in-room bathrooms. For many residents (including my Mom) they require assistance and so they are given showers in a bathing room down the hall from their room. These rooms have larger tubs and showers which allow caregivers to safely assist or fully-bathe a resident. However, if a resident might be more able bodied (like the potential of my Dad) there is no middle ground and he would not be able to bath himself.

Were there specific aspects of the facility’s design that you found comforting or supportive, either for your parents or for you during your visits?

Their facility has a new rehabilitation facility addition that has wonderful commons areas including a Bistro cafe. The bistro is very modern and allows families to join together for casual meals in more of a restaurant setting. It is also filled with natural daylight. In addition, the facility recently finished a private courtyard that is contained within the facility and protected from the outside world. It includes quiet seating areas, shaded gathering areas for visiting and relaxing, and meandering walking paths. It also includes a small water feature which adds a wonderful element of ambient noise for a very relaxing environmental quality. We’ve been able to take Mom and Dad out into this courtyard area for very special relaxing moments.

Have you noticed any design-related challenges that have affected your parent’s day-to-day comfort or care in the facility?

The biggest challenges are the lack of ADA accessible features within the ALF. At one point, we tried to find an opportunity for Mom and Dad to live in the same unit, but the facility does not have accessible apartments that would accommodate Mom in a wheelchair along with Dad. Mom needs much more personal care than Dad on a continual basis, which really restricts her to the more institutional side of the facility.

How did the design or layout of common areas (dining spaces, activity rooms) encourage or hinder social interactions between residents? The Bistro Cafe encourages short term residents within the Rehabilitation Center to congregate for mealtime. The dining space in the ALF contains a variety of table/seating layouts that encourage group interaction, but also allows for more intimate seating/dining for those who prefer it. I’ve noticed that there are many more women in the facility than men, and the men tend to sit together at smaller tables while the women sit in larger groups. There is also a larger activity room/theater room where they have concerts and movies. There is a chapel where people can congregate to worship at different times.

Were there any elements that helped foster a sense of community or connection for your parent?

The commons area in the ALF has a piano. I’ve noticed that music tends to be a very strong factor of drawing people together. The residents gravitate to music very well and it is an extremely positive element within the facility.

COLOR’S RELATIONSHIP WITH AGING EYES

STIMULATION

ENERGY

OPTIMISM

BALANCE

CALM Colors play a vital role in memory care by influencing cognitive function and emotional well-being in aging individuals. As vision changes with age, high-contrast, warm colors like reds and oranges are easier to perceive, which helps enhance safety and navigation. Color also affects mood and behavior; soft blues and greens are known to have a calming effect, helping reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. In contrast, vibrant hues in shared spaces can encourage social interaction and mental stimulation. Familiar, comforting colors help create a sense of home, reinforcing identity and supporting a feeling of safety and belonging.

CONTRAST’S RELATIONSHIP WITH AGING EYES

High contrast between walls, floors, and furniture is crucial for improving depth perception and easing navigation in senior living environments. As vision declines with age, clearly distinguishing furniture from flooring becomes essential in helping residents move through spaces with greater confidence and safety, ultimately reducing the risk of falls. Thoughtful design strategies, such as the intentional use of high-contrast materials and finishes, will be implemented in my thesis to enhance not only safety and mobility but also to support a greater sense of independence and dignity for residents within the memory care facility.

WAY-FINDING

Way-finding plays a critical role in senior living environments, particularly for individuals experiencing memory loss or cognitive decline. As spatial orientation becomes more challenging with age, clear and intuitive navigation helps reduce anxiety, frustration, and disorientation. Effective way-finding not only enhances safety by preventing falls or wandering but also supports a resident’s confidence and independence as they move through their environment. Creating a sense of familiarity and predictability within a space can contribute to emotional comfort and overall well-being.

STRATEGIES

This project will incorporate a range of way-finding strategies to create a supportive and navigable environment for memory care residents. Directional elements will be integrated into the design to gently guide residents without overwhelming them. Shifts in floor and ceiling materials will be used to signal spatial transitions and help residents intuitively understand different zones. Additional way-finding features will include lighting that guides movement through key areas, as well as large, clearly legible signage and graphic cues to reinforce spatial memory and orientation.

SITE ANALYSIS 27

Address: 3101 Wharf St, Richmond, VA 23223 Population: 1,393 | over 65 - 24.5% Neighborhood: Rocketts Landing Findings:

Rocketts Landing, a riverfront neighborhood in Richmond, VA, is a growing community with a median age of 48 and a notable senior population, with 24.5% of residents aged 65 and older. Known for its walkability, scenic views, and mixed-use development, the area offers a peaceful yet connected environment ideal for aging individuals. The presence of older adults in the neighborhood highlights the demand for senior-focused amenities, housing, and services that promote independence and well-being. This context presents an opportunity to design a senior living facility that integrates with the vibrant yet tranquil setting of Rocketts Landing, fostering social engagement, accessibility, and a strong connection to nature—aligning with the thesis goal of creating a dignified and enriching environment for seniors.

N^ Analyzing the site’s adjacency to water and nature allows the design to embrace these elements through views, access, and integration with the natural environment. The proximity to water can inspire the layout to prioritize waterfront connections, foster outdoor spaces that frame scenic views, and integrate design elements that enhance cognitive well-being through calming, nature-driven experiences. Meanwhile, leveraging natural surroundings supports biophilic design, promoting a sense of tranquility that enhances the user experience.

N^ The sun path plays a vital role in the facility’s design by optimizing natural light to support cognitive health and overall well-being. Social spaces will be strategically placed to capture ample morning and midday sunlight, promoting joy, engagement, and vitality. Daylight exposure helps regulate circadian rhythms, improve mood, and enhance memory, which are crucial for seniors in memory care. Shaded outdoor areas will provide access to sunlight without glare or overheating, creating a bright, uplifting environment that supports mental and physical wellness.

CONCEPT Design Concept Color Palette & Murals Materials

DESIGN CONCEPT

As human beings, we continuously evolve, grow, and navigate the changing seasons of life. Inspired by this natural rhythm, this senior living facility supports individuals entering a new chapter, with a focus on assisted living and memory care. The concept of “seasons” reflects the journey of aging, embracing themes of growth, transition, and renewal. These ideas are brought to life through symbolic murals of mandarin trees, cherry blossoms, dogwoods, and willows, which represent longevity, new beginnings, rebirth, and resilience. Each thematic zone offers sensory-rich experiences and familiar visual cues that support memory, comfort, and emotional connection. Through thoughtful design, the space fosters independence, belonging, and a deep sense of identity.

COLOR PALETTE

SW 6641

SW 6584

SW 6594

SW 6622

SW 9039

Grounded in color psychology and the needs of seniors with cognitive impairments, the palette is designed to enhance well-being, support wayfinding, and evoke familiarity. Each zone within the facility corresponds to a seasonal theme, with colors reinforcing the identity and atmosphere of that area. Warm tones like orange and red energize spring- and summerinspired social spaces and assist with navigation, encouraging engagement and activity. In private, quiet areas, cooler hues are applied to promote calm and support a balanced sensory experience throughout the facility.

SW 9058

MURALS

MANDARIN TREE

CHERRY BLOSSOM

DOGWOOD

WILLOW

Murals throughout the facility depict mandarin trees, cherry blossoms, dogwoods, and willows, each chosen for their symbolic meaning and connection to the seasons. These natural motifs represent longevity, new beginnings, rebirth, and resilience, reinforcing the thematic concept of growth and transition. Positioned within specific zones, the murals serve as visual landmarks that help seniors associate spaces with familiar imagery, supporting memory, orientation, and emotional connection.

MATERIALS

Wood Flooring

Oak Wood

Emperador Marble

Calacatta Marble

Arabescato Marble

Ceramic Tile

Sylvan - CF Stinson

Hemp Canvas- Anzea

Custom Upholstery

Toile de Jouy - James Dunlop Textiles

Terrazzo

Tried And True FLOR - CPT

Unspooled Interface - CPT

Porcelain Tile

Materials for this project were intentionally selected to create a warm, welcoming environment that blends the comfort of home with the elevated feel of hospitality design. Natural wood tones, soft textiles, and tactile finishes offer familiarity and warmth, while refined details add a sense of dignity and care. The materials subtly echo the seasonal palette and concept, helping to define each zone while fostering a sense of warmth, recognition, and place.

SPATIAL PLANNING Diagrams Floor Plans Unit Types Sections & Axons

DIAGRAMS

PUBLIC-SOCIAL

PRIVATE

CORE NEED

PRIVATE-STAFF

The initial organization of the space was developed through a series of bubble diagrams to explore and prioritize key adjacencies and visual connections. This early process helped ensure that social, private, and support spaces were intuitively arranged to enhance accessibility, flow, and resident experience.

FLOOR PLANS 1

15 BACK OF HOUSE 13

3 14 2

4 10

11 12

9 7

LEVEL 1 FLOOR PLAN | NTS 1. Lobby 2. Fireplace Lounge 3. Library 4. Women’s Restroom 5. Men’s Restrooms 6. Cafe Bar 7. Cafeteria 8. Balcony

9. Family Event Space 10. Private Lounge 11. Staff Multi-Purpose 12. Physical Therapy Fitness Center 13. Office 14. Egress Stair 15. Kitchen

1. Hardwood Flooring 2. Carpet 3. Porcelain Tile 4. Terrazzo

OPEN TO BELOW

8 9

13 1

1 6

6 6

11 5

11 12

LEVEL 2 FLOOR PLAN | ASSISTED | NTS 1. Lounge 2. Hair Salon 3. Nail Salon 4. Office 5. Laundry 6. Restroom 7. Exam Room 8. Counseling Room

9. Sensory Spa 10. Nurses Station 11. One Bedroom Unit 12. Studio Unit 13. Egress Stair

1. Hardwood Flooring 2. Carpet 3. Porcelain Tile 4. Porcelain Tile

OPEN TO BELOW

14 2

7 9

10 11

LEVEL 3 FLOOR PLAN | MEMORY CARE | NTS 1. Indoor Garden 2. Lounge 3. Exam Room 4. Multi-Sensory Room 5. Group Memory Care Room 6. Family Room 7. Office 8. Laundry

9. Restroom 10. Two Bedroom Unit 11. Studio Double 12. Studio 13. Nurses Station 14. Egress Stair

1. Hardwood Flooring 2. Carpet 3. Carpet 4. Porcelain Tile

UNIT TYPES

ONE BEDROOM ASSISTED

STUDIO

ASSISTED

STUDIO DOUBLE MEMORY CARE

TWO BEDROOM MEMORY CARE

STUDIO MEMORY CARE

SECTIONS & AXON

WEST FACING SECTION PERSPECTIVE

STUDIO UNIT SECTION | ASSISTED

ORBIT Bistro Table West Elm

PENN Chair West Elm

Reed Grand Console Pottery Barn

SHARED LIVING SPACE AXON | ONE & TWO BEDROOM

PERSPECTIVES Lobby Fireplace Lounge Hallway Way-Finding Library Cafeteria Cafe Bar Family Event Space Physical Therapy Fitness Center Nurses Station

LOBBY 51

FIREPLACE LOUNGE 53

Fireplace lounges are located on each floor, offering residents a cozy, inviting space to step away from their units and unwind. These lounges encourage casual socialization, quiet reflection, and a comforting sense of community. The warmth and familiarity of the fireplace help create a homelike atmosphere that supports both relaxation and connection.

Lispenard Sofa Herman Miller

Carlo Mid-Century Chair West Elm Contract Grade

HALLWAY WAY-FINDING 57

LIBRARY 59

The library is nestled within a three-story lightwell that visually connects all levels of the facility while drawing in abundant natural light. This peaceful nook invites residents to read, reflect, and spend quiet time in a calming, sunlit environment. A cherry blossom mural spans the height of the lightwell, symbolizing new beginnings and creating a gentle visual anchor across floors. Beneath the open stair, a planted bed adds biophilic texture, bringing nature indoors and enriching the sensory experience of the space.

Wilkes Modular Group Chair Herman Miller

Moon Side Table Gubi

La Barra Chandelier Morsale

CAFETERIA 63

CAFE BAR 65

The cafe bar serves as a welcoming spot for both residents and guests to enjoy a coffee, tea, or light refreshment in a relaxed, social setting. Conveniently located next to the cafeteria, it encourages casual interaction and offers a flexible space to gather before or after meals. Both the cafe bar and cafeteria open onto an outdoor balcony, providing opportunities for residents to dine outside and enjoy fresh air and river views.

Marien152 Stool Coalesse

Claire Restaurant Dining Table West Elm Contract Grade

Landmark Chair Herman Miller

FAMILY EVENT SPACE 69

The family event room serves as a spacious, multipurpose area where residents can host gatherings, celebrate milestones, and enjoy shared moments with loved ones. Designed to support community, music, and seasonal events, the room fosters joy and connection. A prominent mural of a willow tree serves as a central focal point, symbolizing resilience and creating a calming, recognizable anchor within the space. It also offers direct access to an outdoor balcony overlooking the river, extending the experience with fresh air and scenic views.

Zio Side Chair Moooi

Claire Restaurant Dining Table West Elm Contract Grade

Pillar Side Table Bolia

PHYSICAL THERAPY FITNESS CENTER 73

NURSES STATION 75

ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY Brawley, E. C. (2006). Design innovations for aging and Alzheimer’s: Creating caring environments. J. Wiley. Brawley explores innovative design strategies specifically tailored for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, highlighting how thoughtfully designed environments can significantly improve the quality of life for residents. The book discusses key elements such as spatial organization, the use of natural light, sensory stimulation through textures and colors, and the integration of safety features. Brawley provides practical examples and case studies that illustrate how design choices can foster independence, social interaction, and cognitive engagement. This source is crucial for my thesis as it offers evidence-based strategies that directly inform the architectural design of memory care facilities, ensuring that the spaces I create are both functional and supportive of residents’ cognitive and emotional needs. Promoting emotional health and preventing suicide: a toolkit for senior living communities. (2011). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services. This toolkit serves as an essential resource for enhancing emotional well-being and suicide prevention among seniors in community living settings. It provides evidence-based strategies for creating nurturing environments that promote mental health, emphasizing the importance of social interaction, accessible mental health resources, and training for staff to recognize signs of emotional distress. The toolkit includes practical recommendations for implementing programs and creating spaces that encourage social engagement and emotional support. This resource will be instrumental in my project, offering insights into how design can promote mental health and well-being in memory care facilities, ultimately guiding my approach to creating supportive living environments. Eastman, P., & Perkins, L. B. (2013). Building type basics for senior living (2nd ed.). Wiley. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth analysis of various building types tailored for senior living, focusing on design principles that enhance the lives of elderly residents. Eastman and Perkins discuss the architectural considerations necessary for different senior populations, including those with cognitive impairments, addressing essential aspects such as space planning, safety features, and community integration. They also explore the importance of flexibility in design to accommodate changing needs over time. This source is critical for my thesis as it offers foundational knowledge of the architectural and operational aspects of memory care facilities, helping to ensure that the designs I propose are both effective and adaptable to the needs of residents.

Bratter, J. (2021, April 27). Designers are rethinking senior living—with a focus on wellness. Architectural Digest. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/designers-are-rethinking-senior-livingwith-a-focus-on -wellness In this article, Bratter highlights a transformative approach in senior living design that prioritizes wellness and holistic care. The piece outlines contemporary trends emphasizing the integration of natural elements, communal spaces that encourage social interaction, and amenities that promote active lifestyles. Bratter showcases innovative projects that embody these principles, such as spaces designed to facilitate intergenerational interactions and community involvement. This article is particularly relevant to my thesis, as it provides a modern perspective on the evolving needs of seniors in memory care environments, reinforcing the idea that thoughtful, wellness-focused design can significantly enhance residents’ quality of life. American Society of Landscape Architects. (2010). 2010 Professional Awards: Portland Memory Garden, Portland, Oregon. https://www.asla.org/2010awards/564.html This award-winning project showcases the Portland Memory Garden, designed specifically for individuals with memory loss, including dementia. The article details the garden’s design elements, which prioritize sensory engagement, safe navigation, and therapeutic benefits for its users. Key features include accessible pathways, a variety of plants that evoke memories, and spaces for social interaction and solitude. The landscape design integrates natural elements that promote healing and comfort, creating a restorative environment. This source is particularly relevant to my thesis as it provides a successful case study of how outdoor spaces can be designed to enhance the well-being of memory care residents, reinforcing the importance of nature in the overall design of memory care facilities. Bronzino, J. D. (2017). Designing for aging: An architect’s guide. Bronzino’s guide offers a comprehensive exploration of architectural considerations necessary for creating spaces that meet the needs of the elderly, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline. The book emphasizes design strategies that enhance accessibility, safety, and community engagement. It covers important aspects such as the layout of common areas, the use of technology to support independence, and creating familiar environments that facilitate navigation for residents with dementia. This source will be instrumental in my thesis, providing practical insights into effective design choices that enhance the quality of life for residents in memory care facilities and ensuring that the spaces I create are inclusive and responsive to their needs.

Charras, K., Hogervorst, M., Wallcook, S., Kuliga, S., & Woods, B. (2023). Creating empowering environments for people with dementia: Addressing inclusive design from homes to cities. Routledge. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of inclusive design principles aimed at creating empowering environments for individuals with dementia. The authors address design considerations across various scales, from personal homes to public spaces, emphasizing the importance of sensory stimulation, safety, and social connectivity. The text includes case studies and practical examples that illustrate how thoughtful design can foster independence and improve quality of life for those living with cognitive impairments. This source will be instrumental in my thesis as it offers valuable insights into inclusive design strategies that can be applied to memory care facilities, ensuring that the environments I create are both functional and supportive of residents’ needs. U.S. Census Bureau. (2024). Richmond city, Virginia: Demographic and housing estimates. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/ The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 estimates for Richmond, VA, reveal that 12.8% of the city’s population is over the age of 65. This data provides a more accurate, up-to-date demographic profile of Richmond’s senior population, reflecting a significant portion of the community that could benefit from tailored senior living and care facilities. Pool, C. (2018, June). Intermediate Terminal 3 Section 106 comment. Oregon Hill. https:// www.oregonhill.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Intermediate-Terminal-3-Section-106-Comment-Charles-Pool-June-2018.pdf In this document, Charles Pool provides a Section 106 comment on the proposed Intermediate Terminal 3 project, offering an extensive history and context about the Oregon Hill neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia. He highlights the area’s historical significance and expresses concerns about the project’s potential impact on its character, urging careful consideration of preservation during the planning and development process.

DEDICATED TO MY FAMILY, I LOVE YOU