Tarkett hosted its third annual Insights + Innovation Retreat in York Harbor, Maine, bringing together architects, interior designers, and senior-living community owners and operators. The event focused on the impact of the built environment on cognition, behavior, mobility, visual comfort, and social engagement.
Sandra Soraci, director of healthcare and senior-living strategies for Tarkett Commercial, emphasized the need to rethink the role of design in senior living. “Safety and function will always be essential, but they are only the beginning,” she said. “We want to better understand how design can also support confidence, identity, dignity, comfort, and meaningful human connection.”
The retreat featured interactive discussions, breakout sessions, resident-experience exercises, and design workshops. Participants explored how design decisions can influence residents’ independence, comfort, and sense of belonging. One key takeaway was the need to expand the definition of safety beyond physical well-being to include emotional well-being, community engagement, and belonging.
Participants also discussed the importance of accounting for sensory and cognitive limitations in design. They examined how surface glare, uneven flooring transitions, and overwhelming signage can impact residents’ confidence and independence. The group stressed the need to create environments that support mobility and reduce barriers to engagement.
Other priorities included creating inviting community spaces that encourage natural social interaction and supporting caregivers through technology. Attendees explored ideas such as flexible seating arrangements, multi-purpose dining rooms, and public spaces like cafés and wellness hubs. They also discussed the potential of ambient, non-camera technology to provide caregivers with information and improve staff efficiency while protecting resident safety and privacy.
