CALA News & Views | Issue 53 | CALA at 30

wellness. Exposure to natural light supports circadian rhythms and directly impacts resident health, especially sleep quality. That’s why our designs prioritize large windows and ample daylight, even though this increases solar gain and cooling loads. In my view, the tradeoff is worth it. You could build an energy-efficient box with no windows, but your residents wouldn’t thrive. We’ve evolved under sunlight for hundreds of thousands of years – artificial light is a very recent shift. So, while building performance matters, we have to prioritize human health. Healthy buildings lead to healthier people, and that’s the true goal of sustainable design in senior living. Laverne: Thankfully, the California building codes require better and more performant buildings and building systems. At the same time, we’re seeing a push toward energy autonomy through renewable sources like photovoltaics. 30-Year Vision If you were to create a “community of the future” from scratch today, what would it look and feel like, and which design features that are rare now do you predict will be standard 30 years from today? Pancake: Looking ahead 30 years, I think people will live longer and healthier lives. We might see the last deaths from cancer or Alzheimer’s in that timeframe. As medical science and assistive tech evolve – think prosthetics, AI, maybe even bionic limbs. Environments of the future will lean heavily on sensory stimulation, perceptual design and therapeutic experiences. And yes, I’m convinced robots that fold laundry are coming – and when they do, I’m buying one. Ultimately, we’ll still need human-centered care but enhanced by technologies that support aging with dignity and purpose, in whatever form that takes. Laverne: In a utopian 30-year vision for senior living communities, advances in AI and robotics would allow care to be delivered more efficiently, allowing more time for fun, connection and community. Interestingly, when asking AI this same question, most responses were fairly expected, except for the idea of personalized living environments. One was modular and adaptable units: living spaces that can easily be reconfigured to meet changing needs and preferences without requiring residents to move. Another was 3D-printed custom interiors which use 3D printing technology to reflect personal tastes and ergonomic needs. These insights offer a glimpse into how design is adapting to meet the changing needs of Assisted Living communities. As expectations shift and new tools emerge, building design will continue to evolve – shaped by a combination of innovation, regulation and the lived experiences of residents and care teams alike. g

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