“Lumina Las Vegas re-envisions the standard for memory care. Designed in partnership with world-renowned research institutions, the 42,000-square-foot facility employs modern research to achieve a higher standard of hospitality-focused housing for individuals with neurodegenerative disorders.” The key to this approach is the establishment of a high-end residential aesthetic within two distinct neighborhoods – the Rejuv Neighborhood for early-stage dementia and the Aspyre Neighborhood for late-stage dementia. The separate neighborhoods enable programming and engagement activities tailored to the varied capabilities and needs of the residents. For example, lower acuity residents may engage in word games or music/art therapy for lower acuity residents (shown to help slow cognitive decline) versus pet therapy or entertainers for the comfort and enjoyment of late-stage, higher acuity residents.
The common space and shared amenities were consciously oriented in the central core of the building to serve both neighborhoods, benefitting operations with staffing and building efficiency. In the Multipurpose Room, the design is elegant, inviting, and interesting. Some common areas promote tranquility and others promote interaction, creating a balanced environment for residents to live dynamically.
Further research findings in neurodegenerative disorders support the importance of appealing to the five senses including lighting, colors, and textures for beneficial cognitive stimulation. Circadian rhythm lighting is installed throughout the community and double-story ceiling heights combined with clerestory windows welcome an abundance of natural light to regulate and maintain healthy sleep patterns. Changes in flooring materials and various accent patterns designate different spatial areas, while upholstered furnishings in each neighborhood offer residents a range of materials and textures for a tactile experience. A participatory art wall promotes tranquility while the Café Leon dining and adjacent exhibition-style kitchen promote interaction, creating a balanced environment for residents to live dynamically. The early-stage café features a display kitchen offering an interactive opportunity that allows residents to be better connected to their meals and the art of cooking.
Every element of the project is thoughtfully curated to enhance the resident’s social, physical, and mental experience. Both neighborhoods are oriented as an internal infinity walking loop that widens and narrows to create organic gathering pockets. Floor-to-ceiling windows and artful breeze blocks maintain security while reducing resident anxiety and frustration with locked doors or visual dead-ends. All apartment units feature a kitchenette, cabinets, sink, and fridge to establish a feeling of home and offer privacy for visitors and family time.
The common space and shared amenities—lobby, multipurpose room, theater, salon, therapy center, nurses’ administration office, and commercial kitchen—were consciously oriented in the central core of the building to serve both neighborhoods, benefitting operations with staffing and building efficiency. Both early and late-stage neighborhoods feature a separate courtyard that includes custom shade structures, lounge areas, sensory water features, walking path, and locally-inspired outdoor art.