OZ Architecture Talks Relationships in the Senior Living Environment

Environments for Aging, also known as EFA Magazine, recently published an article about the concept of “senior loving” in the senior living environment. Authored by OZ Principal, Jami Mohlenkamp, this article features strong messages on designing spaces for intimacy in senior living environments—spaces to meet and make new acquaintances, places for a formal date, places to build relationships and even places for a wedding or other ceremony.

In this article, Jami shares ideas for how design can help relationships flourish in a senior living community. Benches and alcoves are handy for taking a rest and also sitting next to someone for a quiet conversation. Small, cozy dining spaces can help people connect in a deeper way than a traditional cafeteria-style dining room. What’s more, creative design elements in social spaces can spur memories of youth—such as a partial car chassis chairs or wheelchairs in place of the seats to recreate a drive-in movie date.

Similarly, flipping the script on a memorial garden might result in a “lovers’ garden,” with accessible pathways, intentional flower planters, and cozy spaces for finding meaningful time together in the fresh air.

EFA Magazine shares trends and expert content on the planning, design, construction and operations of senior living communities with an audience of planners, architects, interior designers, community owners and operators. We’re so pleased to see our team’s design talent and thought leadership represented in the industry’s premier source of insight, information, and inspiration for the senior living built environment.

Read more at EFA Magazine.