The artwork program at Heartis Bucks County offers residents and visitors a sense of place, focusing on Pennsylvania’s deep history to promote connection among residents. Our client wanted to feature local artists, recognizable regional imagery, and timeless mementos. Soft colors and patterns guide people through the halls and provide a calming atmosphere.

The design needed to incorporate recognizable imagery and artifacts to evoke fond memories and a sense of familiarity for residents. Local art and photography of the town and the surrounding Philadelphia area appear throughout the building. Several framed prints are paired with nameplates labeling the landmarks and locations. A history wall near the main entry features artifacts and other dimensional elements representing the area’s rich history. It highlights William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, keepsakes, and facts relating to the area’s founding. The wall also includes an antique map, Moravian tile, arrowheads, and a photo of the nearby Fonthill Castle.

Dimensional and sculptural elements add texture and variety throughout the space, creating grand focal points and a high-end aesthetic. Original abstract paintings by Philadelphia artist Michele Kishita hang in the entryway of the independent living area. Local artist Atticus Adams handcrafted aluminum mesh and acrylic flowers to create a one-of-a-kind piece to hang above a cozy fireplace. Antique skeleton keys and book pages decorate the space to remind residents of personal mementos and occasions. The salon art features unique circular frames with classic brooches and combs mounted on navy blue suede to accent each piece. Vintage stamps printed on wood decorate the mailroom, and the theater includes a film reel, movie posters for films made in the area, and fun movie star postcards.

The design of the memory care space focuses on resident well-being. Custom tactile panels offer a local perspective and encourage sensory exploration to strengthen cognitive function in residents struggling with memory impairments. A panel of red bricks and antique keys represent the main street of Doylestown, a historic town in Bucks County. Another panel mimics water ripples to represent the Delaware River. The last panel incorporates ornate ceiling tiles traditionally found in hardware stores and soda fountains.

The finished space blends high-end hospitality with the comforts of residential living to create a unique and tranquil environment for those who call Heartis Bucks County home. Various patterns, textures, and colors combine to create a glamorous aesthetic, and historical imagery and mementos honor the past and encourage residents to forge new memories.