Fall 2023 • DEA 4590 Group • Programming, Research, Design Strategy
Kendal at Ithaca
MISSION
To enhance Kendal at Ithaca to prioritize a safe, healthy, inclusive, and flexible environment for all residents, employees, and visitors to feel comfortable and at home.
PROBLEM
The current campus design is ineffective in supporting the residents and staff members’ overall health and well-being and operational and private use of the space.
https://kai.kendal.org/
INTRODUCTION
Kendal at Ithaca, established in 1995 in New York's Finger Lakes region, is a renowned non-profit organization offering comprehensive senior living services. Despite its reputation and location on a 105-acre campus, it has recently seen a decline in residency. To enhance its services, Kendal collaborated with Cornell University's DEA 4590 team, who conducted site visits, interviews, and research, resulting in valuable insights into the needs of stakeholders, staff, and residents.
You can learn more about Kendal at Ithaca here: https://kai.kendal.org/
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on our findings and mission statement, we came up with several Goal Statements and Performance Requirement Statements to help guide the direction of Kendal’s redesigning.
Goal Statement 1
Common community space should strategically provide flexible space for accommodating various mobility and activity demands (Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, 2023).
PR 1
The facility will provide residents with wheelchair and walker parking spaces in the dining room to ensure safety among the residents.
PR 2
Increase space adaptability by providing flexible furnishings to accommodate diverse events and activities.
Goal Statement 2
The outdoor environment should support residents’ health by providing more relevant supplies.
PR 3
The outdoor trails will provide residents with bins and dog waste bags to ensure comfort and cleanliness among the residents and the environment.
Goal Statement 3
Implement the idea of CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) by adding security elements.
PR 4
Garage shutters should be placed in each cottage garage to prevent burglary.
PR 5
Street lights should be placed every 100 feet to prevent crimes that increase during dark hours.
Goal Statement 4
Maximize storage space to promote ease of access by staff and residents.
PR 6
Incorporate multifunctional furniture with accessible storage compartments in resident living units, communal areas, and activity spaces.
PR 7
Utilize vertical storage space by enabling residents to access items stored at heights up to six feet without assistance to minimize underutilized areas in storage units.
