Contract - October 2010 - (Page 87)

Essential characteristics Individuality appears to be the central characteristic of the wellness center product. The wellness center means diﬀerent things to diﬀerent people. Accordingly, a diversity of oﬀerings can give individuals a sense of control and choice within the environment. While the individual wellness experience is prima , a recent survey by the Center for Health Design revealed people generally want an environment that provides a connection to others, is conducive to a sense of well-being, is convenient and accessible, demonstrates caring, is considerate of health impairments, clear in its expectations, and close to nature. With this in mind, wellness center design should incorporate privacy, social interaction, visual access to the outdoors, good visual cues and signage, predictability, ﬂexibility to evolve over time, controlled sound levels, appropriate lighting, convenient parking, and easy access. Programming considerations should expand to consider the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of wellness. In building for wellness, we have an architectural and sociological responsibility to recognize both the forms of wellness—such as recreation, therapy, ﬁtness, socialization, and dieta nourishment— and its dimensions, as in its physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, and vocational scope. These realms continue and expand personal experience and give people a sense of purpose at any age. A holistic approach to wellness seeks to combine the best of traditional and alternative medicines, and a wellness center expresses this idea in physical form. Its designated spaces may include clinics for a variety in a centralized or satellite fashion, embedded into a community or set somewhat apart. Wellness centers that are set apart can more easily invite the neighboring community to participate. Members of a senior community may enjoy interacting with younger people and outside residents; they may also consider this an unwelcome intrusion. As with any project, the community’s needs determine the design. At The Tamalpais in Greenbrae, Calif., a large common area was refurbished to include several more intimate wellness spaces, such as a bistro, libra , and art room. These are organized so the most social spaces, like the main lounge, are closest to the entrance. Rooms like the libra and ﬁtness center, which are designated for more personal activities, are located further into the facility. This design allows for controlled access. Another model is in place at the Samsung Noble County continuing care retirement community in Korea. Noble County is an integrated complex of housing, medical, cultural, and sports and leisure facilities, where the sports and cultural centers are open to local residents. Onsite child care fosters even more multigenerational interaction. Within a wellness center, critical adjacencies can help encourage users along the wellness continuum by emphasizing the connection between, for example, rehabilitation and ﬁtness. This is demonstrated in the design of the Saban Center for Health and Wellness, Woodland Hills, Calif. A glass wall between the pool and ﬁtness gym provides a view into the gym to motivate those undergoing aquatic therapy to progress to land therapy. This design is supported by an innovative To appeal to a wide variety of residents at The Tamalpais and to break up the long public corridor, the design team created smaller, more intimate spaces like the libra (above le ). Designers also modernized common areas (above right) to encourage interaction and camaraderie among residents (photos by Sharon Risedorph). Careful use of glass throughout the Saban Center for Health and Wellness (opposite) knits together the functional programs of therapy and ﬁtness so residents are motivated and inspired to t new activities and grow within therapy and ﬁtness programs (photo by David Wakely). of health professionals, from doctors and dentists to counselors and acupuncturists; pools for aquatic therapy, recreation, and exercise; spa services; cafés; gardens; walking paths; ﬁtness rooms with exercise equipment; multipurpose rooms for educational or movement classes like yoga and aerobics; a gymnasium; and retail spaces that provide diversions and opportunities to socialize. arrangement at the center whereby staﬀers work in both a rehabilitative and ﬁtness capacity, rather than one or the other, as is customa . Catalyst for change This is a time of repositioning in senior living communities. As these communities determine the model of mission and service that is right for them, wellness may become a catalyst for organizational change. It may also act as a magnet for participation at facilities struggling in the current economy. Wellness may, in fact, be the cure for a host of ills. Design considerations There are a variety of approaches to incorporating wellness center elements into a senior living community. Components may be arranged www.contractdesign.com contract october 2010 87 http://www.contractdesign.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract - October 2010

Contract - October 2010
Contents
Editor's Note
Industry
Resources
Focus: What's Next
Focus: A New Conversation
Materials: Cork and Circumstances
Green: Net Zero
Practice: The Office That Never Closes
Splashy and Sustainable
The Art of Healthcare Design
Best Foot Forward
Harmonious and Healthy
Of Sea and Stone
Live Long and Prosper
Trends: From Illness Care to Wellness Care
Process: On the Front Line
Designers Rate
Sources
Ad Index
Perspectives

Contract - October 2010