The Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center
Redefining Senior Living Through Sensory Design
The Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center at Willow Valley Communities transforms senior living through therapeutic landscape design and specialized amenity interiors that support residents with dementia and cognitive impairments. Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, this lifecare facility creates a village-like environment designed to enhance cognitive function through connection to place and nature. Working with CCS Building Group, our client and design-build contractor, along with Master Plan Architect Nord and Architect of Record EGA, RIOS is leading the landscape architecture and interiors for social spaces including the cafe and lobby areas that actively support memory retention and daily wellbeing.
Designing for Intuitive Navigation in Memory Care
The integrated landscape and interiors are designed to support memory care residents through intuitive navigation. The courtyards include two types of circulation loops—recreational paths and direct routes home—marked by color-coded walkways and lined with native Pennsylvania tree species that offer familiar visual cues.
Main Street connects the north and south courtyards through a functional, light-filled path with greenery. Elements like a vertical green wall and overhead catenary lights provide simple sensory cues that support orientation and encourage engagement.
Interiors unfold as a lively streetscape, with amenities designed as distinct storefronts. Each features its own color palettes and architectural details to support daily routines and reinforce visual navigation.
Sensory Landscapes for Connection and Exploration
The sensory-rich landscape supports dementia care residents with seasonal blooms, textured foliage, and plantings that attract birds. Materials are chosen for safety, including slip-resistant paving, low-glare surfaces, and gentle slopes. Features like interactive sensory gardens, outdoor dining areas, and structured activity zones promote social engagement, helping to reduce the isolation often found in traditional senior living and encouraging exploration, connection, and a sense of belonging.
Materials to Promote Well-Being
Cognitive support strategies continue into the café and lobby through material palettes tailored for memory care. Earthy tones with subtle contrast define these social spaces without overwhelming residents.
Monochromatic floor-to-wall transitions and matte, non-reflective finishes reduce sensory strain. Durable, healthcare-grade surfaces are paired with tactile elements like rattan, felt, and textured mesh to engage touch and evoke positive memories. The café includes Pennsylvania sports memorabilia and seating for multigenerational visits, while the lobby features terra cotta finishes inspired by Lancaster’s townhome architecture.
