New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 35/02C | Page 96

More recently, there has been a transition from
this lower density development to apartment-style
living, and there is a concurrent change to a com-
munal landscape for activity.
For seniors, particularly those living with physical
limitations, ‘active’ is a relative description and may
be better expressed as having access to, and moving
within, the outdoor environment. So, we provide
opportunity for independent walking, being pushed in
a wheelchair, or using an electric wheelchair.
Paths and sidewalks encourage and enable
residents to move around outdoors. The planting
associated with these paths should be colourful,
perfumed and hold interest for the residents; and
by providing seating with backs and arm rests,
residents can enjoy sitting out in the sun.
An important factor is the opportunity to interact
with neighbours. Can a walking path run in to a
nearby street pavement, where incidental ‘Good
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morning, beautiful day’ conversations can happen?
Does an adjacent reserve provide the opportunity
for residents to watch children’s sport or families
having fun on a playground? Is it appropriate to
make a direct link into that reserve space, or to
other public spaces?
The idea of integration with the neighbourhood
reflects the fact that most residents of senior living
communities come from the local area and wish to
retain independent access to these familiar places.
The model of retirement villages that are fully
fenced and isolated from the surrounding residen-
tial community is slowly changing.
Some aged-care providers still insist on facilities
with walls and gates, believing this provides a sense
of security that residents want. However, working
towards a mixed model where openness and security
concerns are balanced, and addressed through
intuitive design and CPTED (crime prevention through