The Golden Grove
Experience Designer
The Design team set out to solve the epidemic of loneliness within the senior community. According to the CDC, nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.
The solution is an Intermediate Care Facility experience that allows Elders tp engage socially and age gracefully while protecting their physical health
“Social Isolation seriously effects elders physical/mental health & longevity”
The town center houses a striking white hospital, pharmacy, grocery store, and event gathering space. At the gathering space, residents host weekly events, from movie nights to craft nights, and is used as a interfaith worship center.
The pillars of needs of the community are the focal point of the village and are in close access distance to all residents.
Individual and group housing populates the village. Residents can choose what facilities they’d like to be closest to, whether it’s the shops or the parks.
Houses are designed in a historical style for comfort and nostalgic value. Older styles are similar to those they lived in before joining the village which adds to the feeling of home. Nostalgia improves recall in older adults with mild to moderate levels of dementia.
Dining areas serve a rotating menu of options so residents never get too bored. Especially for those with dietary or health needs, there is a wide range of supplemental options.
Retirement can get boring for residents so many take the opportunity to volunteer within the village. Working the library or tending the community garden are roles residents can take to enjoy their time.
A swim in the pool is a great exercise that doesn’t hurt the joins and low-impact workout classes are helpful to keep your body moving. Gym areas are designed for elder residents specifically, with workers assisting in low risk sports.Benches and chess tables surround a lake, where residents feed the ducks over a good game.
Benches line the roads, allowing residents to take a rest between locations. This is a no-driving village. A golf cart service goes along the paths, offering rides to residents but also allowing them their independence.
The Golden Grove is designed to fit both the health and social needs of it’s elderly residents. The circulation of people was designed from outward to inward, with residents living on the edge of town and moving inward for shops and activities, to the town center. This encourages them to get out of their house and join the communal areas for socializing.
Creating The Experience
When researching the issue of social isolation in seniors, the team was inspired by dementia villages. Instead of being kept to a few rooms, they had a place designed to allow them to wander and live their life as normal. Golden Grove similarly wanted to create natural socializing through community-based areas and day-to-day activities.
The space was designed for social collision - running into friends at shops or on the walkways.
Production Team
Experience Designer: Paris Little
Experience Designer: Tara Sandman-Long
Programming Designer: Elvira Lu
2D Designer: Amanda Nepo
Throughout the process there was a continued focus on the needs of elders, and how that effects how this village is different. This is what led to the hospital and pharmacy at the center. Compared to pastel and brown colorings of other buildings, the hospital is white so it easy to find from farther away. Seniors often need weekly check ups and daily communication with their doctors - placing it in a central place allows this easy access in their day-to-day.
Natural social collision and a focus on health inspired circular shape of the town. An all roads lead to the center approach. Residents can run into their friends on the way to town and can easily check up on health needs anytime during the day. A perfect for experience for those whose needs are often downplayed or overlooked.
