Outside in: award-winning designs integrate natural elements. (The Winners).

This year's panel of experts came to the table with a passion for their work and an eagerness to discuss the latest design developments in the long term care field. Following a spirited debate on the merits of architectural and design projects submitted by providers and consultants, we emerged with a cross section of projects large and small, located from coast-to-coast and exhibiting design excellence functionally and aesthetically. We hope you share our enthusiasm for the projects we felt will have a wonderful capacity to advance the art of design in senior living environments.

Specific design trends we were delighted to see this year included:

* Increased awareness of residents' outdoor and indoor connectedness needs in their lives

* Designs which better "accommodate," …