Tarkett Sponsors Two Post-Occupancy Evaluation White Papers

Solon, OH, June 24, 2026—Tarkett recently sponsored two post-occupancy evaluation (POE) white papers from the Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments (SAGE). A POE is a systematic, data-driven assessment of a building’s performance, functionality and user satisfaction after it has been occupied, typically for at least six to 12 months. Contributing to these two studies is the latest expression of Tarkett’s long-standing commitment to evidence-based design and the well-being of aging populations.

“In senior living and life plan communities, the built environment has a direct impact on residents’ quality of life. The more we bring people together across disciplines to learn and deepen our understanding, the more equipped we are to serve our seniors with spaces that support their independence and help them build community,” said Sandi Soraci, director of healthcare and senior living segment strategy for Tarkett North America. “That’s why we’re proud to support this work—because it helps us all design with greater purpose and intention.”

For aging individuals, particularly those experiencing neurocognitive and sensory changes, thoughtfully designed spaces can significantly influence quality of life. The built environment plays both active and passive roles in shaping functional independence, enhancing sensory perception and preserving a sense of self.

And the need for supportive, age-friendly environments is more urgent than ever: The world’s senior population is growing at an unprecedented pace. For the first time in history, the global population comprises more people aged 65 and older than children under the age of five. Over the next 15 years, households with members 65 and older are expected to account for one-third of U.S. housing needs, with the 80-and-older age group growing fastest of all. 

Today, designers and senior living owners/operators are increasingly turning toward evidence-based design (EBD) to make informed decisions about creating environments where seniors can thrive. Post-occupancy evaluation is a key step in that process, identifying both successes and deficiencies to inform current building operations and guide future design decisions.

It’s in that spirit of learning that Tarkett chose to support in the two recently published SAGE POEs, both showcasing communities where thoughtful design is making a measurable difference in the lives of residents and caregivers.

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Care Center — Flandreau, South Dakota

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Care Center, which opened in February 2023 as the first long-term care center for tribal elders in the area, is a 42-bed, household-model facility designed in deep collaboration with tribal representatives to authentically honor Dakota cultural heritage. The POE identified key successes in cultural integration, spatial flexibility and resident satisfaction, as well as opportunities for operational alignment, enhanced resident autonomy, and design refinements to better support trauma-informed care.

The Spires at Berry College — Rome, Georgia

The Spires at Berry College is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) uniquely situated on the world’s largest contiguous college campus. The POE—the first-ever evaluation of a CCRC located on a college campus—confirmed the power of intentional intergenerational design. Approximately 30–40 Berry College students work within the community at any given time through the college’s work-study program, and residents and students have built authentic, lasting relationships through shared activities, events and everyday campus life. The POE also surfaced valuable lessons about the long-term consequences of value-engineering decisions, like a lighter-weight carpet specification that resulted in premature wear, reinforcing the industry-wide need to invest appropriately in high-traffic finish materials from the outset.