Summer Solstice: Some Bright Ideas for Sunny Fun
Summer Solstice: Some Bright Ideas for Sunny Fun!
The Summer Solstice arrives this Saturday, June 21st, marking the beginning of summer and the longest day of the year. With summer comes the desire to get outside and enjoy the warm weather and sunny days. Our team has some inspiring ideas to help senior living residents embrace the joys of summer and make the most of the summer fun!
Residents can celebrate the summer solstice by connecting with nature through relaxing and enjoyable activities. Options include meditation or yoga sessions, gardening, birdwatching, enjoying a picnic in a local park, or setting up an outdoor dining area to savor a summery meal.
Residents expect things like grill spaces and fire pits around a pool area, says Charla Goss, director of interior design at Pi. “I just installed a project where the community wraps around the pool and grilling area, and it’s a focal point of the community.” Pi recently designed a community in Colorado that had seating against the building and a fire pit with mountains in the background. “These breathtaking amenities make a community stand out and attract residents,” she says.
“We’re seeing more integration of smaller, intimate areas for outdoor sitting and recreation for small groups,” says Darren Azdell, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, “During 2020, communities immediately had to find areas for small group meetings, and they did a great deal of retrofitting for outdoor, shaded/covered seating areas. This demonstrated how underutilized exterior spaces often are.” At the same time, Darren says, people liked outdoor spaces for dining and entertaining, and this isn’t likely to change.
There is a growing interest in creating amphitheaters for outdoor entertainment and performances. Residents want a variety of options for where and how they engage in entertainment and cultural activities. This would be a great spot for a summer solstice poetry reading or a movie with a summer theme.
Green walls, vertical installations featuring a variety of plants or greenery, have become increasingly popular. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they also provide additional insulation and help dampen noise. However, Darren points out that they can be difficult to maintain. He recommends exploring other ways to incorporate greenery indoors. For example, some communities are developing garden rooms—hybrid indoor/outdoor areas where landscaping and plants are used to create natural partitions. These spaces offer the benefits of indoor greenery while allowing for greater control over the environment. Additionally, Darren notes, “We’ve created some faux green walls that still evoke a biophilic atmosphere.”
Outdoor spaces need to be safe for seniors, including those who may have some physical limitations. This means elements such as railing and seating along paths and trails, as well as lighting and smooth walking surfaces. At the same time, seniors don’t want to be reminded of their limitations, so these elements need to be aesthetically pleasing and blend in well with the environment, Charla stresses.
Indoor summer solstice activities for residents can be equally fulfilling. When there is inclement weather or it’s just too hot, residents will want to stay inside and still enjoy the summer. Make a floral wreath, herbal tea tasting, or craft with a summer theme. Having summer solstice activities in spaces with windows that provide picturesque views and a connection with nature. At the same time, include window treatments that minimize glare and heat.
Consider celebrating the summer solstice with a sunset, fruit bar, or sun-themed party with yellow decorations. A solstice quiz can serve as a fun game. Such an event can serve as an opportunity to learn from residents about the kinds of activities, events, and amenities they want to enjoy this summer.
Pi Architects | Contact us here or call us at 512-231-1910.
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