(Above: Photo by Andrew Rugge/Copyright Perkins Eastman)
This Associate principals Samantha Belfoure, IIDA and Hillary DeGroff, IIDA at Perkins Eastman are passionate about creating healing environments with equity in mind. This comes through in their design research paper, penned together, “Changing Perspective: Transforming Work Spaces in Senior Living,” in which they shed light on a variety of benefits that stem from equally supporting caregivers—both emotionally and physically—as well as residents and their visitors.
The two pull from not just their professional, but also their personal experiences. DeGroff developed a strong interest in senior living while tending to the health of her grandmothers and stepfather, reinforcing her commitment to designing unique spaces that allow for experience and connection. As for Belfoure, she is dedicated to forward-thinking ideas. To her, design is more than just painting a pretty picture—it’s about pushing boundaries.
Here, these two professionals with more than 30 years of combined experience between them offer a sneak peek into “Changing Perspectives” with refreshing new takes on the market they are so passionate about and highlight some untapped design opportunities to bridge the community within.
(Below: Outdoor access at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, CA means complete submersion in nature, surrounding the user with big, bold, landscape architecture. Photo by Will Price)