L.I.F.E. Center (Living Independently For Elders), is a premier organization in Philadelphia providing excellent care to the aging population. This particular center is focused on Daytime Care for seniors with dementia, as well as a critical care population that needs daytime assistance.
The well-designed building includes day rooms for social interaction, medical clinic, pharmacy and personal care areas, as well as exterior “dementia garden” where daily visitors can safely enjoy the outside, something that is difficult for them to do in less supervised areas.
In researching lighting strategies for patients with dementia, BEAM tailored the design to be well suited to this population, while also meeting the budget-driven construction constraints. Suitable lighting for those suffering from dementia and degenerative brain disease is bright but not glary, typically ‘cool’ in color temperature, and providing cues for wayfinding. Through careful design and specification, the lighting successfully meets the required high light levels, today’s difficult energy codes and the tight budget.
As a result, the staff has noticed that the user population is extremely easy to care for and more content than other similar facilities managed by the owners. Additionally, the owners have requested the lighting methods to be utilized in upcoming projects, which is the ultimate statement of success.
ARCHITECTURE. Cecil Baker + Partners
L.I.F.E. Center (Living Independently For Elders), is a premier organization in Philadelphia providing excellent care to the aging population. This particular center is focused on Daytime Care for seniors with dementia, as well as a critical care population that needs daytime assistance.
The well-designed building includes day rooms for social interaction, medical clinic, pharmacy and personal care areas, as well as exterior “dementia garden” where daily visitors can safely enjoy the outside, something that is difficult for them to do in less supervised areas.
In researching lighting strategies for patients with dementia, BEAM tailored the design to be well suited to this population, while also meeting the budget-driven construction constraints. Suitable lighting for those suffering from dementia and degenerative brain disease is bright but not glary, typically ‘cool’ in color temperature, and providing cues for wayfinding. Through careful design and specification, the lighting successfully meets the required high light levels, today’s difficult energy codes and the tight budget.
As a result, the staff has noticed that the user population is extremely easy to care for and more content than other similar facilities managed by the owners. Additionally, the owners have requested the lighting methods to be utilized in upcoming projects, which is the ultimate statement of success.
ARCHITECTURE. Cecil Baker + Partners
