What can Dutch architects teach us about design for aging populations? This was the starting point for Zeidler Architecture, a Canadian firm, for a new senior living community in Calgary, Alberta. The future 307,000 square foot building will be specifically designed for seniors and adults with disabilities.
Construction recently began on the new 420-bed residence, supported by the Bethany Care Society, a local nonprofit organization. This is all happening in the Calgary neighborhood of Hounsfield Heights-Briar Hill, which is northwest of downtown. Jennifer McCue, president and CEO of Bethany Care Society, said the new building will replace an existing building built in 1945.
“Over 20 years ago, we began planning for Bethany Calgary’s eventual replacement as care models evolved and the costs and risks associated with aging infrastructure increased,” McCue said in a statement. “This new development will ensure we can continue to care for seniors in Alberta in a modern, welcoming environment that truly reflects our mission to create caring communities.”
Zeidler Architecture added that the project was inspired by a well-known community in the Netherlands, Hogeweyk Dementia Village, designed by Buro Kade. Bill Mitchell of Zeidler Architecture visited Hogeweyk Village to see how it works and what his firm could learn from it.
The design consists of three long stick buildings connected by a volume running perpendicular to them. The masses, according to Zeidler Architecture, are divided into “small houses.” Each “tiny home” will have 14 rooms for patients as well as shared dining and living areas.
The masses are clad in light and dark and characterized by curtain walls. The facades are broken up by dynamic compositional surfaces. The ground floor is expressed in darker cladding, while the upper floors are in a soft gray.
This gesture is intended to provide a contrast to the typical, rather monotonous spaces in which patients with disabilities typically live. There will also be themed common rooms on each floor, garden areas where residents can grow flowers, a bistro and lush courtyards.
“Such elements can help normalize the experience of aging,” Zeidler Architecture said, and also reduce the alienation and loneliness that patients with disabilities often experience.
The project is scheduled to be completed in 2027.