Optima Living, which operates independent living, assisted living, and supportive living communities in Western Canada, is pleased to announce that Aster Gardens located in Sherwood Park, Alberta, has won second place in the “International” category at the 2021 Senior Housing News Architecture & Design Awards. Aster Gardens also was nominated in the “Assisted Living” category.

“Our team is thrilled that Aster Gardens was recognized by such a well-established institution,” said Ali Shivji, Principal at Optima Living. “Aster Gardens’ theme of People, Place, and Community is uniquely reflected in its architectural look and feel. We will continue to be an industry innovator for architecture and design in seniors’ living communities focusing on helping residents live their best lives.”
Aster Gardens is a modern purpose-built residence carefully crafted around seniors’ active lifestyles, tastes, and needs. The residence was conceived through local knowledge and partnerships and features innovative design and craftsmanship. The design incorporates the latest technology, ensuring seniors’ personal convenience, protection, and safety. 

Designed by the leading Canadian architecture firm, DIALOG, Aster Gardens’ design contributes to an inspiring and functional living experience. Optima Living recognizes that active living spaces are critical to a senior’s ability to live vibrantly in the next stage of their life. Residents have the opportunity to take part in a myriad of social, recreational and fitness activities – whether it be a drink at the pub, a game of water polo in the pool, or playing on the rooftop patio putting green.

Read the article in Sherwood Park News!

Aster Gardens is a modern purpose-built residence inspired by the aster flower. Indigenous to the Sherwood Park community, the flower shares a commonality with seniors – the experience of blooming at a later stage in their lives. Carefully crafted around seniors’ active lifestyles, tastes and needs, and conceived through local knowledge, partnerships, collaborations and innovative design and planning, Aster Gardens creates an inspiring and functional living experience while respecting and celebrating the local history of the Sherwood Park community.

Since 2013, the Senior Housing News Architecture & Design Awards annually recognizes cutting-edge design, excellence, and innovation in senior living. Communities around the globe submitted new construction and renovation projects this year, vying for top honors across 12 categories. A panel of 17 industry experts judged the projects, evaluating nominees based on design and aesthetic criteria.