Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point Retirement Community
The 44,000-square-foot Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers, Fla., is the result of an idea hatched by resident artists to support “ageless creativity.” In fact, resident contributions to the specialized amenity space funded 80 percent of the project, which today brings together once-disparate art and performance spaces on campus and adds broader opportunities for entertainment and socialization. Inside are multiple galleries and artist studios (ranging from ceramics to photography to quilting), a conference room, literary lounge, and 400-seat auditorium.
Wegman Design Group
The project was submitted to the Design Showcase as an interiors-only project by Wegman Design Group (Naples, Fla.). The firm’s scope of work included meeting with five main resident artist groups who helped guide how each space would function and what types of finishes would be best for each unique use—for example, cushioned flooring for quilters who tend to stand for long periods of time, north-facing windows to allow natural light into the pain
Here, Amber Caton, design director at Wegman Design Group, shares more insight on some of the design details the jury applauded in this Award-of-Merit-winning project.
Environments for Aging: Tell us how the concept of “ageless creativity” shaped the design philosophy for this project.
Amber Caton: The goal of the concept is to demonstrate that creativity is neither limited nor defined by age. The concept was conceived by a resident and curator who believes this, and that the honing of creative expression can reach new heights when pursued without restriction. Insight for the design philosophy begins to form out of that perspective, to alleviate restriction that residents might face as obstacles to expression.
The building supports numerous artist groups and activities/practices. How did your team work with the residents to ensure the project would meet everyone’s needs?
Working closely with the resident artists and gathering information from the multiple art studios were a key part of the programming process. We started with data sheets to document programming needs for each of the artist groups. These data sheets included needs for everything from cabinetry/storage, furnishings and equipment, plumbing, lighting, and workflow. We needed to understand how artists use the space and ensure layout adjacencies that allowed them to have the most functional space possible for their very specific activities. Lighting needs included specific light temperatures (kelvin) and even the window exposure requirements for each type of activity (northern exposure for painting studio, and no windows in photography studio).
Each studio had two to four representatives who met with the design team and provided information and specifications for their craft. The space planning for each group was done across multiple meetings with each group to hone and refine the design and layouts for each studio. The studios even gave feedback on the cabinetry drawings to ensure that each locker, drawer, or cabinet would hold the materials they use every day.
The project had to support personal creativity and promote socialization. How did the interior solutions work to build harmony?
We worked very hard to create a visual language that would create continuity throughout the building, whether in a small studio or large social space. That visual language included a very limited range of finishes and colors, which were largely neutral with some exceptions. A different color was chosen for each studio door to assist with wayfinding. This was later adapted by the client marketing team as a part of their branding. Darker and bolder accent materials were chosen for the café, performance, and gallery spaces as a subtle separation from the studios.
The jury stated numerous times that this project “doesn’t feel like senior living”—and that’s a good thing! Share the overall design aesthetic and intent behind what was delivered.
The style and features of the Tribby Arts Center were chosen to inspire and serve as a backdrop for artist work. We wanted to create an inspiring space that wouldn’t take away from the beauty of artist displays. The space was designed for artists who just happen to be seniors. We looked at what would make a space a great gallery, theater, or studio, and then applied the knowledge of what makes a space comfortable and safe for seniors. A warm, industrial scheme was selected, using neutral whites, grays, and blacks with oak touches throughout the building.
To that end, the space will be filled with the work of the residents. How did the design approach ensure the art would be showcased and not compete with the interiors?
The approach was to be very minimal and pared back, such as exposed ceilings, clean white walls, and stained concrete flooring. This created the “space as canvas” to support the artist works. In common areas where resident artwork would not be showcased, we intentionally included stronger design elements such as geometric wall paneling gripping the walls and black slab porcelain encasing the entryways to the theater.
The jury also applauded the lighting. What were some of the solutions that were integrated and how did they support the design vision?
Each studio group had its own requests for lighting and even lighting temperatures. Therefore, having a multitude of choices was important to the selection. The range of options was provided through an array of custom lighting manufacturers, which allowed us to keep a consistent look through the spaces while still addressing each user group’s needs.
These spaces were created to both support independence and empower residents to pursue their creative interests. How did that influence your design decisions?
Our attempt was to be innovative with senior-friendly conveniences throughout by integrating them without feeling institutional. [Examples include] subtle differences for the studios, all the different needs for seating and castors versus gliders that would make sense, accessible and automated controls for solar shades, and even personal lockers integrated into the cabinetry. All this imbued freedom to the environment for residents to use their tools with ease. For instance, while slat wall wasn’t our first choice, it became the obvious one when we determined it provided the ease for seniors to hang the exhibitions themselves.
What was a personal design takeaway from this unique project, or one you’d want to share with the senior living design industry?
The vision to create a center of excellence for artist, hobbyist, and admirers took commitment from the residents, design team, and client. That commitment was a powerful driving force in our work. Think not only of what will work, but what will exceed their expectations.
