Orange Valley Active Aging Centre at Alkaff Crescent named as a finalist in the 12th Eldercare Innovation Awards for dining space design

We are proud to share that the Orange Valley Active Ageing Centre at Alkaff Crescent has been named a finalist in the 12th Eldercare Innovation Awards under the Best Dining Space Design category. This recognition is a meaningful validation of our commitment to human-centric design that goes beyond aesthetics, embracing cultural sensitivity, emotional comfort, and functional excellence.

Design That Speaks to the Heart

For this project, our design team at D’Perception Ritz set out with a clear mission: to create an environment that doesn’t just meet functional needs, but also evokes a sense of belonging, emotional safety, and cultural identity for the elderly community it serves.

Rather than relying solely on modern design tropes, we looked inward—toward cultural traditions and values deeply rooted in the community. At the heart of the design concept is the use of prominent Chinese characters such as 仁 (ren – benevolence), 善 (shan – kindness), 勇 (yong – courage), 忍 (ren – patience), 慈 (ci – compassion), and 信 (xin – trust). These Confucian values are more than ornamental; they serve as visual affirmations that speak to the lived experiences and wisdom of the centre’s patrons.

Each character was chosen with intention, forming a subtle narrative that reinforces the values of mutual respect, moral strength, and emotional warmth—ideals that resonate with many seniors and connect them with memories of their upbringing and cultural teachings. Whether consciously or subconsciously, these familiar symbols help establish a space that feels both emotionally grounding and spiritually uplifting.

Colour as Comfort

The colour palette used throughout the centre also plays a crucial role in creating an atmosphere of ease and positivity. Soothing baby blues and delicate blush pinks were selected for wayfinding and accent features. These hues were chosen not only for their calming psychological effects, but also to soften the architectural lines and gently direct patrons through the space without overwhelming the senses.

Wayfinding elements—often overlooked in institutional environments—were meticulously designed to be both intuitive and dignified. We ensured that directional cues were easy to identify without being intrusive. The use of pastel tones subtly defines spatial boundaries while preserving visual harmony throughout the facility.

In practice, these colours function as environmental caregivers, wrapping each room in a soft, approachable aesthetic that reduces anxiety and supports cognitive ease—essential for users who may experience memory loss or reduced visual perception.

A Social Sanctuary: Dining with Dignity

The dining area, in particular, serves as a vibrant social hub where nourishment goes beyond food—it extends to connection, comfort, and shared ritual. The Eldercare Innovation Awards recognized our success in creating a dining experience that upholds both dignity and delight.

Here, seating layouts are designed to encourage both privacy and interaction. Flexible arrangements allow for small group conversations as well as community gatherings. Lighting has been thoughtfully tuned to be warm and diffused, avoiding glare while keeping the space bright and cheerful. Materials were selected for both durability and tactile friendliness, ensuring the space remains inviting and practical over time.

It is in this communal space where design becomes most alive—where architectural intentions are fulfilled by human experience. The quiet beauty of the surroundings, paired with meaningful cultural references, fosters a setting that invites residents to feel seen, valued, and cared for.

Tradition Meets Modernity

We believe that successful eldercare design is a balance of respect for tradition and responsiveness to evolving needs. At Alkaff Crescent, we married modern spatial planning principles—such as accessibility, ergonomics, and sensory clarity—with timeless cultural markers to create a holistic environment.

Our design is sensitive to the physical requirements of aging bodies, incorporating barrier-free movement, non-slip surfaces, and gentle transitions between rooms. At the same time, the space honours its users’ psychological landscapes, with warm colours, familiar language, and iconography that echoes long-held cultural wisdom.

In doing so, the centre becomes more than a day-use facility—it becomes a sanctuary of shared identity, a place where tradition is not frozen in the past but alive and comforting in the present.

The Designer’s Touch

Every line, every light, every texture was carefully considered by our design team to evoke comfort, clarity, and continuity. We approached the project not as decorators, but as storytellers and caregivers through design. Our design narrative started with empathy—understanding the aspirations, limitations, and emotions of those who would inhabit the space daily.

What emerged is a facility that honours heritage while elevating everyday experience, proving that eldercare spaces can be both functional and poetic.

Elevate Your Service Through Design

Being named a finalist at the 12th Eldercare Innovation Awards is an honour we hold with gratitude—and a reaffirmation of our belief that interior design has the power to improve lives.

If you’re looking to reimagine your care facility, community centre, or social enterprise project, we invite you to start a conversation with us. At D’Perception Ritz, we specialize in human-first environments that reflect not only function and form, but also empathy, identity, and aspiration.

Let’s collaborate to create interiors that speak to the soul and serve with heart.

Call us or email us today to elevate your service delivery through an interior design partnership.