Environments for Aging - Spring 2024 - 34

Right: The open-concept
common spaces on each
floor are flanked by corridors
that traverse the resident
rooms and provide a
promenade for easy strolls
and safe wandering.
Below: Resident rooms are
comfortable and homelike
with oversized windows
to maximize the wooded
views and natural light.
The design team choose
materials, colors, patterns,
and furnishings that are
supportive and practical for
people with dementia.
Lighting the way
Every decision was made with the distinct needs
of this specialized population-those living with
varying degrees of dementia-in mind. " Through
biophilic design and introducing an abundance
of daylight in the building, we're working to
stimulate the sensory capabilities of our residents, "
says Bodo Liesenfeld. " That's a very important
part of the treatment and liveliness in
the building. This is how we reach people. "
Daylight was a key driver of the design to ensure
that residents reap the physiological and
psychological benefits of light exposure. " We're
trying to drag daylight into every square inch, "
says Anthony Vivirito, TAT associate and one of
the lead designers for The Cordwainer.
Resident rooms feature oversized windows,
while storefront glass at the east and west ends
of the building maximize light and views for
dining room patrons and those enjoying the
living room/lounges. Clerestories, triangle
windows, and light monitors do their part to
bring diffused light into interior community
spaces at The Cordwainer.
The biggest impact, though, comes from
an 18-foot octagonal skylight installed above
the double-height atrium at the center of the
community. This light-flooded interior courtyard
is open to all and features lush greenery,
a bubbling water feature, and piped-in birdsong.
Second-floor seating and pathways
allow residents to enjoy the space from upstairs,
as well; a living moss mosaic wraps the
34 | spring 2024
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interstitial space between floors to extend the
green theme.
Bringing nature in
Common rooms and activity spaces extend east
and west of the courtyard on both floors. Resident
rooms line the periphery north and south,
with a racetrack-style walking path in each
floor's neighborhood to encourage movement.
" Residents have an ability for autonomous and
guided activities throughout the footprint of
the building, " Vivirito says. An open-air, trellised
garden with raised planters, along with a
second-floor terrace dedicated to family visits,
extend that footprint out of doors.
This being New England, time spent outdoors
can be rather limited for more vulnerable residents
during long stretches of colder weather-
yet another reason for designers to double down
on interior natural elements. The front lobby
sets the tone with a two-story moss wall and a
wood-plank effect spanning the ceiling.
ED WONSEK, COURTESY THE ARCHITECTURAL TEAM
http://www.efamagazine.com
Environments for Aging - Spring 2024

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