Founder Bob Koch Presents at EFA Conference
Founder Bob Koch Presents on the Evolution of Senior Living Communities at the 2023 Environments for Aging Conference
The 2023 Environments for Aging (EFA) Conference recently hosted its annual convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, from April 15-18, 2023. Our founder, Bob Koch, participated and presented in the AIA DFA Breakfast & Program titled “Retired but Not TIRED.” The distinguished panel of “experienced” architects have dedicated their careers to designing senior living communities. This presentation showcased their reflections on the evolution of senior living in the U.S. over the past 40 years. Panelists also discussed their predictions for the future of senior living design.
Other panelists included Alan Moore, AIA, Principal at CJMW Architecture; Claire Dickey, AIA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, BD+C, EDAC, Principal at HESTIA Design Collective; and Glen Tipton, FAIA, NCARB, Retired Principal at JCM Architects.
During the presentation, Bob and the other panelists emphasized how the senior living industry must constantly evolve with societal changes. Reflecting on how the senior living landscape has operated in the past is critical for successful evolution in the future. By assessing key elements that benefit or limit processes, designers can better implement strategies for upcoming projects. Combined with an awareness of evolving external influences, the senior living industry can better orient a visionary trajectory for the future.
“In an era of continuous change involving all things in our lives - technology, medicine, communication, and lifestyle - it takes bold and thoughtful reflection to forecast, with any degree of accuracy, what tomorrow will hold in any area of study,” said Bob.
As the evolution of change increasingly becomes more demanding, Bob foresees that the industry will see the most meaningful advancements over the next decade. This estimation will require the senior living industry to constantly “re-think,” continuously evaluate, imagine new ideas, and rigorously test to keep pace with change. Additionally, he believes this reality requires tackling big-picture questions and avoiding parochial thinking. Continuously reflecting on processes and asking questions about efficiencies and workflows will improve and positively impact the industry.
Driving the discussion to center around the future of the senior living industry and how they can adapt to succeed, Bob instilled his wisdom to inspire thought and insight. This included:
How the creative process can engage the design/development and operations teams to best orient unified team outcomes for the betterment of a facility’s design scope.
How critical distinctions of economics, culture, geography, health, and aspiration impact the design and marketing of senior living communities.
Why facility programming is essential in meeting the changing needs of the senior population’s new or alternative life settings.
The impact of medical advancements prolonging life expectancy, the need for supplemental income for seniors as the public and personal financial gap to subsidize grows, and how senior living communities must adapt to meet these needs.
The positive impact of third-party assistance as an a-la-carte benefit to lifestyle-oriented developments, combined with technology and planning accommodations.
How aspects such as theming, décor, and other design elements can help encourage well-being, social interconnectivity, and collective identity.
Bob is FK Architecture’s founder and has been recognized for design leadership by the AIA and trade associations such as the American Resorts Development Association, the Home Builders Association, and the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks throughout his 50+ year career. He is a frequent speaker at national seminars and conventions.
For Bob’s full presentation documentation, click here.
Next year’s EFA Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, will occur from April 13-16, 2024, at the Cobb Galleria Center! Please visit the EFA website for registration information and to learn more about presentation proposals for next year’s conference.