We sat down with DKLEVY President, Daniel Levy, to discuss all things Senior Living Architecture—a field DKLEVY is truly passionate about. At DKLEVY, we have had the privilege of working on over 150 senior living architecture projects, alongside numerous hospitality and multifamily architecture projects. What sets us apart is our unique approach of blending these experiences to create exceptional environments for seniors.
Creating Spaces Seniors and Their Families Love
When designing senior living spaces, our goal is to make them as inviting and comfortable as possible—not just for the residents, but for their families as well. The most successful senior living projects are those where visiting is a pleasure, not a chore. We focus on creating overlapping amenity spaces that appeal to both seniors and their families, turning visits into enjoyable activities. These spaces are designed to be vibrant and welcoming, fostering an atmosphere where families naturally want to spend time.
Blending Safety with Aesthetic Appeal
Safety is paramount in senior living design. Our buildings incorporate essential safety features like sprinklers, fire-rated materials, and secure grab bars. However, we strive to ensure that these elements are seamlessly integrated into the design, avoiding the institutional feel often associated with such features. By using layered lighting, residential-grade finishes, and natural elements, we create spaces that feel more like home and less like an institution.
Incorporating Hospitality Elements
Our design philosophy borrows heavily from the hospitality industry, focusing on amenities that enhance the quality of life for seniors. Think coffee bars, bistros, multiple dining options, grilling areas, outdoor fire pits, and spa pools. These features offer flexibility and choice, making the senior living environment as dynamic and engaging as possible. We believe that a well-designed senior living space should offer a range of activities and options, making it a true home for its residents.
Promoting Active Living
A key trend in senior living is promoting an active lifestyle. Our projects increasingly include features like golf cart parking and accessible courtyards designed to encourage movement and interaction. For example, in a current project in Virginia, we’ve designed an exterior promenade that connects residents to various amenities and encourages outdoor activity. Our focus is on creating environments that promote health, wellness, and socialization.
Embracing Biophilic Design
In our Serenbe project, we’re integrating biophilic design principles to enhance residents’ connection to nature. This approach is especially relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the importance of access to natural light and outdoor spaces. The Serenbe design features extensive glass facades, active courtyards, and a dramatic water feature to create a vibrant, nature-connected environment. The building’s design encourages community interaction and provides residents with a walkable, engaging space.
At DKLEVY, we are committed to revolutionizing senior living by creating spaces that are not only safe and functional but also enriching and enjoyable. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and bring these innovative ideas to life in your next project.
Interested in exploring how we can work together to create exceptional senior living environments? Reach out! https://dklevy.com/contact/
