EFA Design Showcase, published each year in the spring issue of Environments for Aging, celebrates a range of innovative design solutions that stand out in senior living environments across the country. All of the architect and interior design teams behind the 2021 winners and finalists joined the magazine for a webinar, weighing in on the importance of community, nature, and curated experiences for residents. Here are some of the highlights.

On Forging Multigenerational Connections:

David Fik, president, Lantz-Boggio Architects & Interior Designers

Project: The Ridge Pinehurst, Lakewood, Colorado

“I think that the current generation of people who are moving into these communities has looked at their parents and said, ‘You know what? I don’t want to be isolated and out behind the white picket fence and behind the guard house.’ They want to be integrated with the community. In the Ridge Pinehurst there will eventually be a mixed-use building where the ground floor has retail.”

On Maximizing a Vibrant, Urban Location:

Jerry Walleck, principal and board director, Perkins Eastman

Project: Senior Resource Group’s Maravilla at the Domain, Austin, Texas

“The inspiration here was to be a resort-style hospitality center. And when we talk about hospitality, it’s not just about hospitality in the aesthetic, but it’s hospitality in the service. You can have a concierge schedule a reservation for you at dinner. They will get you in a car. They will drive you over there. They will pick you up and they’ll bring you back to the bar here for a happy hour.”

On Alleviating a Sense of Isolation:

Dustin Julius, project designer, RLPS Architects

Project: LiveWell Center for Resilient Living, Plantsville, Connecticut

“The story of LiveWell Center for Resilient Living really goes back to a design philosophy that emerged early in the planning process, and that’s the idea of designing with—not just for—those who are living with cognitive impairment. From a design perspective, the existing courtyards have been reimagined with intergenerational play areas, outdoor dining opportunities, and event spaces. These areas help foster an environment where loved ones don’t merely come to visit, but they’re coming to engage in meaningful activities.”

On Finding Inspiration from the Landscape:

Nicole Hill, senior project manager, Faulkner Design Group

Project: The Spires at Berry College, Rome, Georgia

“We sourced real canoes, had them handpainted and installed in the casual dining room, as a nod to activities available on Eagle Lake. We incorporated a feather sculptural art installation, because there’s a pair of bald eagles that nest every season on campus and can be seen flying over Eagle Lake from the community. We also had access to Berry College licensed photography, so we used identifiable building or architectural features in the photography as wayfinding in our elevator lobbies.”

On Encouraging Time Outdoors:

Amy Carpenter, principal, SFCS Architects

Project: The Highlands at Wyomissing, Personal Care building, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania

“We have porches with comfy furniture and deep overhangs to provide shade and to allow residents to sit outside even when it’s raining. We have a variety of water features, including koi ponds, for visual and auditory interest. There are two features of the lower-level courtyard garden that are my favorites. First is the wide-format, double-sided, see-through fireplace. I think it provides a nice nighttime gathering spot and a very dramatic focal point. And just beyond the fireplace, there’s this other area we call the tiki bar. It’s an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill, refrigerators, an ice maker, and bar equipment for cocktails.”

On Creating Desirable Outdoor Spaces:

Ray Yancey, director of senior living, LRS Architects

Project: The Springs at Lake Oswego, Lake Oswego, Oregon

“We created a substantial roof terrace. We anchored it with a wine bar, which is indoors, that spills out to a covered area. Then we have a large-format chess set, and there’s seating around that so people can either be participating or just watching. Then we have an 18-hole putting green. We have a bocce court. There’s a raised planter for gardening. One unique thing about that is we have a dining table [in the gardening space], so that you can have an alfresco dining experience.”

A version of this article was originally published by Environments for Aging.