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Designing the Total Living EnvironmentBy Linda Maze
Although we may not be cognizant of it, our environment possesses the ability to affect us on a multisensual level in this same manner, ingraining a lasting perception. As we age and some of our powers of acuity diminish, we rely more heavily on those things in our total-living environment that capture our senses and present a familiar sense of comfort. This "total-living environment" includes any factors that change our perceptions on a daily basis, including the structures in which we live, the landscape, plants and animals with which we co-exist, the visual stimuli we enjoy, the manner in which we sit down to eat, and the list goes on and on. Unfortunately, codes, budget and efficiency have traditionally been the focus of care facilities, often producing cold, sterile, uncomfortable living environments. As more research is gathered linking environmental perceptions to wellness, architectural designers have the responsibility to consider the total-living environment in all phases of the design process, looking for innovative alternatives and expanding past the traditional building-code-dictated design parameters. Space Planning The beginning phase of design, space planning, involves the careful arrangement of rooms to best support their intended use. In the design of assisted-living facilities, it is most important to plan for a range of fully functional and accessible social settings, including private, semi-private and group interaction areas, which do not encroach on other spaces. This decreases the potential for stressful situations resulting from conflicting activities and allows for more independence, encouraging a positive self-identity. In the design of the total-living environment, land planning must also be considered, including the incorporation of natural experiences into the daily regimen. Accessible garden spaces allowing one to view the beauty of life through bird watching and plant care, and to experience the soothing sounds of water can completely reconfigure the sensory perception of any adjacent spaces. This allows the resident to relate to the world beyond the immediate boundaries of the facility--to feel part of a larger whole. Architectural Form Designing the facilty with the comfort and appearance of home has been a major trend for assisted-living facilities. For instance, within the city of Charlottesville, Va, some of the larger historical homes have been renovated to serve as assisted living. The accommodations provide residents with their own bedrooms and shared spaces, such as the living room, kitchen and dining room. This design maintains the perception of traditional "family dynamics" as well as spatial uses and traditional housing forms to which they have grown accustomed. Lighting Accompanying the development of the exterior form, one must carefully consider the placement of apertures to allow for maximum natural-light exposure. Natural light serves to maintain biological rhythms, increase visual acuity and promote wellness. Psychologically, it is also important for the residents to maintain visual connections to the exterior environment to maintain a sense of freedom and connect to the world around them. When artificial light must be used to augment natural illumination, incandescent lights are the optimal choice. This type of lighting is less taxing on the eye and natural-body rhythms than the customary fluorescent fixtures typically used in facilities. Numerous incandescent options offer varied spectral lighting as well as high-efficiency ratings, which can benefit the facility with lower-utility expenditures. Color
Psychologically, the concept of the white, sterile environment is uncomfortable, recalling the image of cold, impersonal hospitals of the early 1900s. Studies have shown various colors can evoke specific moods or emotional responses. It is important for designers to use this knowledge to encourage a positive sensual perception of the space. Soft, light hues of blue and green can be soothing, working well as base environmental colors. Shades that increase heart rate and anxiety levels, such as reds and oranges, should be used as accent colors only. Wayfinding/Signage Color theories can apply to wayfinding--the ability for a building's inhabitants to easily locate themselves within the facility. Color schemes for each floor can be effective cues allowing residents to easily move throughout the facility. Integrated design features--permanent landmarks built into the facility structure such as columns, display niches and integrated signage--not only beautify the environment, but also provide clear visual cues for wayfinding. The permanence of this type of cue can minimize confusion and play a strong role in maintaining one's sense of independence and full-functioning capability. Heating/Cooling Conventional heating and cooling methods delivered through a system of ducts can be drafty and do not allow the space, or in turn, the body to maintain an even temperature. This can be especially uncomfortable as we age and become more temperature-sensitive. A new trend in heating is radiant-heat wiring installed in the floor. This allows for a more even ambient room temperature and more comfort in direct contact with the body. Complementing an evenly distributed temperature-control concept, cool air should be delivered through a system of widened, diffused vents. Though initially more expensive, double-paned, well-insulated doors and windows prove to be the best choice for maintaining temperature control in residential facilities. Careful consideration should be given to choosing these products, not only for the immediate goal of reducing drafts, but also for the long-range benefits of reducing utility costs. Tactility of Materials Material choices for architectural elements that come in direct contact with the body must be carefully chosen for both physical and psychological reasons. The designer must look at what is required for the facility and use innovative complementary techniques to enhance traditionally chosen items. While building codes dictate the use of handrails, they do not dictate the actual surface covering. This can allow the designer to be innovative in choosing positive, sense-enhancing materials. Arguably, the use of smooth, warm wood is much more pleasant to the touch than the typical cold, steel handrails. Materials for furnishings must also be carefully considered. Vinyl coverings, while easily cleaned and maintained, tend to stay cold in the winter, an uncomfortable prospect for those who are sensitive to temperature. Finishes on materials also affect the perception of a space. For instance, as we age, glare can be especially hard on the eyes. Matte-finish wall surfaces and low-sheen flooring can minimize glare while providing a beautiful appearance. With so many new, affordable and attractive low-sheen wood-flooring products available, typical vinyl or linoleum flooring is a less desirable choice due to its high reflectivity, slick surface and cold touch. Acoustics Any building that houses a variety of functions and a multitude of individuals should be designed with acoustics in mind. As hearing abilities begin to diminish as individuals get older, there is an increased need for auxiliary sound-absorbing materials in assisted-living facilities, especially in treatment or pharmaceutical areas. Acoustical drywall, paints (specifically formulated to reduce reverberation) and carpeting can all minimize background noise, making it easier to focus on the task at hand. Personalization Throughout our lives, home environments embody our innermost feelings and desires, acting as our own personal sanctuary. Architect and planner David Pearson furthers this idea in his book The Natural House Book. "Although the home may be expressive of ... personal lifestyle, it is more often the combined result of several family members who all need to define their personality." Assisted-living environments, which accommodate many individuals, reflect this same need for defined personal space. This concept can be incorporated into the design quite easily, reflecting residents' personalities yet maintaining a personal sanctuary for each individual. For instance, the simple addition of a niche outside each door for personalization incurs minimal building costs, yet provides maximum interpersonal communication. Residents could display their personal interests and family photos, allowing them to project a positive self-image and maintain a private sense of home. Companion Animal Accommodations
Cats, for instance, must be able to move freely about the facility and always have access to food and water. Litter accommodations should be separated from other functions for sanitary reasons. Ideally, the inclusion of an exterior courtyard would satisfy the feline's inherent desire for a natural setting, as well as provide a comfortable setting for human interaction. Aviaries can be incorporated into part of a garden space or work within a building to soften the harshness of the environment. Another innovative method of including birds within the living environment is the development of a planned garden area, which uses plant choices, availability of food and water, and provision of shelter to encourage natural inhabitation of a multitude of species. Aquariums can also provide a relaxing environmental perception with minimal care. There are various aquarium choices, from freestanding furniture-type tanks to those that can be incorporated into the walls. Businesses, which offer periodic tank cleaning, are affordable and make having an aquarium virtually maintenance free. Living Environments There is no doubt our living environments hold the key to our comfort and overall wellness. The design of assisted-living facilities can be challenging as architects consider individual sanctuary spaces, as well desirable common spaces within a facility. Whether retrofitting an existing facility or designing a new one, we should strive to create living environments filled with lasting sensual memories and comforts. Linda Maze is a design consultant and owner of Living Environments, based in Gainesville, Fla. She holds a bachelor's degree in design and a master's degree in architecture. Maze specializes in the creation of total-living environments for humans and their companion animals. She can be reached at (352) 377-6227.
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Can
any of us forget the excitement of smelling fresh-baked cookies as a child? That
mouthwatering smell wafting through the house, the warm, soft touch and that
sweet, scrumptious taste appeal to children everywhere. It is amazing how one
little cookie can capture all of our senses, forming a fond, lasting memory.
Physically,
as we age, our perception of the colors within our environment changes.
"The lens of the eye often yellows slightly, making it more difficult to
discern between blues and greens, and many of the more neutral colors appear
muted or muddied," according to Margaret P. Calkins in the Healthcare
Forum Journal. Paints, fabrics and flooring should be chosen in a manner
that uses bold colors as accents, juxtaposed against a neutral background to
provide ease of distinction.
Numerous
studies have found exposure to animals can reduce stress, lessen muscle tension,
lower heart rate, provide a sense of love and companionship, and increase
positive attitudes. Such studies have spawned a trend toward the inclusion of
resident animals in assisted-living facilities. In response to this, the
designer must plan for accommodations, which will be beneficial to the health
and well-being of the animal and the resident.|
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