New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 35/02C | Page 97

Facing page: Landscape design
for senior living communities
shouldn’t be restricted to
structured flower beds at the
entrance, but should provide
opportunities for residents
to actively engage with their
surroundings.
Below:The masterplan for Gulf
Rise by MetLifeCare shows
how Boffa Miskell aims to give
senior living communities a
variety of outdoor social spaces
for both residents and visitors
– 1 Entrance gate, 2 The social
garden, 3 Pavilion and cut flower
garden, 4 Overland flow path, 5
Fitness trail and bee garden, 6
The butterfly walk.
environmental design) analysis during the concept
and developed design process, is gaining traction.
CTPED strategies include careful considera-
tion of planting design to provide privacy without
causing visual obstructions and unsafe spaces,
the correct use of street lighting and careful use of
CCTV monitoring, and encouraging pedestrian traf-
fic and social interaction.
The desired outcome is to create an environment
that is well-cared for and occupied by residents
throughout the day. Studies have shown that the
application of CPTED measures overwhelmingly
reduces criminal activity by encouraging shared
ownership and natural surveillance by residents.
As expectations continue to evolve, we antici-
pate demand for more flexible living options. So,
although people may choose to downsize or sim-
plify, it’s not the retirement of years ago.
The model is no longer to retire at 65 and to
change your way of living entirely – older people are
choosing to stay in the workforce and a more active
aging model is being adopted.
The positive outcomes go both ways – seniors
have a lot to offer; and there are opportunities to
benefit from their knowledge and experience if they
are kept involved with family and community, rather
than going to live in an isolated retirement village.
We see this trend toward openness and con-
nectivity gaining momentum as the youngest
Babyboomers, followed by GenX, become seniors.
Plus, the current retirement generation didn’t
grow up with smart phones and social media as an
integral part of life. GenX generation has, and that’s
another form of connection that needs to be consid-
ered in senior living communities of the future.
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