Designing for Wellness: How FDG Creates Communities That Support Healthy Living
Wellness has become more than a trend—it is a defining expectation in multifamily and senior living design. Residents increasingly seek communities that nurture physical, emotional, and social well-being. At Faulkner Design Group, we approach wellness holistically, integrating it into every aspect of our design, from finishes and lighting to amenity programming and spatial planning.
Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors
In multifamily and senior living environments, connections to nature improve both mood and health. Biophilic design—incorporating natural light, greenery, and organic textures—reduces stress and fosters a sense of calm. We include features such as rooftop terraces with garden spaces, indoor green walls, and expansive windows that provide access to sunlight and outdoor views. These elements create restorative environments where residents feel refreshed and connected to their surroundings.
Wellness Amenities that Encourage Active Lifestyles
Amenities are central to wellness. In multifamily communities, flexible fitness centers, yoga studios, and outdoor recreation spaces encourage daily activity and social engagement. For senior living, we layer in specialized wellness amenities like therapeutic pools, spa areas, walking paths, and spaces for intergenerational interaction. These thoughtfully designed amenities not only support physical health but also foster meaningful connections between residents.
Lighting that Supports Circadian Health
Lighting is critical to daily wellness. We prioritize natural light throughout our communities and complement it with circadian lighting strategies that adjust color temperature throughout the day. This helps regulate sleep patterns and promotes energy during waking hours. Layered lighting in common areas, residential units, and amenity spaces ensures comfort, functionality, and a positive impact on residents’ overall well-being.
Healthy Materials and Indoor Air Quality
Material choices directly affect residents’ health. Low-VOC paints, non-toxic finishes, and sustainable furnishings improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Flooring, textiles, and wall coverings are selected for durability, aesthetics, and their contribution to a healthier environment. Every detail, from cabinetry to surface materials, is chosen with wellness in mind.
Spaces for Community and Connection
Wellness extends beyond the individual. Social connection is critical for mental and emotional health, particularly in multifamily and senior living settings. FDG designs shared lounges, collaborative workspaces, communal dining areas, and outdoor gathering spaces that encourage interaction, foster a sense of belonging, and create supportive communities. Many of our senior living communities are incorporating spas with communal seating areas. In multigenerational communities, fitness areas are designed in tandem with child play areas, as at The Sudbury in Boston.
Designing for wellness is no longer optional—it is essential. In multifamily and senior living communities, integrating nature, movement, lighting, healthy materials, and social spaces creates environments that actively support the health, happiness, and connection of residents. At Faulkner Design Group, wellness is the foundation of our design approach, guiding us to create spaces that inspire, nurture, and endure.
Ready to bring wellness-centered design to your next community? Contact Faulkner Design Group to explore how our team can help your multifamily or senior living project support healthier, happier living.