Nancy, Author at Optima

Color Stories in Architecture: How Palettes Shape Our Perceptions

Posted on June 11, 2025June 12, 2025 by Nancy

Color has always been one of architecture’s most powerful tools—not just for visual delight, but for emotional and psychological impact. Whether vibrant and energetic or subtle and grounding, color shapes how we experience buildings long before we ever step inside. At Optima®, color isn’t just applied—it’s embedded into the DNA of each structure. Through thoughtful exterior palettes, we tell visual stories that connect people to place, shape perception, and elevate everyday experience.

The Psychology of Color in the Built Environment
Color has a profound influence on mood and cognition. Cool hues like blues and greens often evoke calm, balance, and introspection, while warmer tones like reds and oranges suggest energy, passion, and warmth. Neutral tones can communicate elegance, clarity, and modernism. Architects and designers have long drawn on color theory to create desired emotional effects—and these insights are more than intuitive.

The exterior palette at Optima Sonoran Village® uses desert-inspired tones—ochres, sage greens, deep terracottas—to harmonize with the surrounding landscape.

The Munsell Color System, developed by artist and educator Albert Munsell in the early 20th century, organizes color based on three perceptual dimensions: hue (the type of color), value (lightness or darkness), and chroma (color intensity). This structured approach allows designers to select colors with precision and purpose—balancing brightness, saturation, and contrast to shape spatial experience.

At Optima®, these principles are woven into every exterior design. Our use of color is never arbitrary—it’s a calibrated response to location, light, material, and mood.

The Use of Color at Optima®
Across our communities, exterior palettes are carefully composed to create harmony between architecture and environment. In Scottsdale, Optima Kierland Apartments® and Optima Sonoran Village® use desert-inspired tones—ochres, sage greens, deep terracottas—that align with the surrounding Sonoran landscape. These palettes are designed with low chroma and medium value, creating an earthy richness that’s both calming and rooted in place.

In Chicago, Optima Signature® and Optima Lakeview® explore a different end of the spectrum. Here, we draw on higher-value, lower-chroma hues like charcoal gray, soft black, and glass blue to reflect the urban context and seasonal light shifts. The result is a sophisticated tonal balance that feels clean and contemporary but never sterile. Wood accents and textured materials in projects like Optima Lakeview® add warmth and tactile variation, offering contrast without overpowering the overall composition.

Creating Continuity Through Color
Color at Optima® is not confined to facades. Our vertical landscaping, interior finishes, and communal spaces often echo the building’s exterior palette, creating a holistic sensory experience. This reflects another principle from color theory: simultaneous contrast—how colors influence one another when placed side by side. By repeating tones across surfaces, we create visual continuity and emotional cohesion.

Our color choices also support our commitment to wellness and biophilic design. Natural hues—drawn from plants, minerals, and the changing sky—foster a subconscious connection to the outdoors, which has been shown to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.

A Palette That Evolves With Time
Just as natural light animates a building, it also transforms its color. That’s why we select palettes that shift gracefully throughout the day and year. A muted green might appear silver at sunrise and forest-rich by dusk. This responsiveness is essential to Optima’s approach. As the Munsell Color System reminds us, color is not fixed—it’s dynamic, relative, and deeply perceptual.

In every Optima® development, color is more than a surface treatment. It’s an architectural element, a mood-setter, and a storytelling device. It shapes how a building feels, how it fits into its context, and how residents connect to it over time.

Because in the end, color isn’t just what we see—it’s how we feel in a space. And at Optima®, we design for both.

Designing with Daylight: The Importance of Natural Light in Architecture

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Nancy

At Optima®, the interplay of light and space is never an afterthought—it’s a foundation. From the shimmering desert of Scottsdale to the vibrant skyline of Chicago, natural light is one of the most powerful and versatile tools in our architectural language. Thoughtfully harnessed daylight not only transforms interiors; it enhances the way people feel, move, and live within a space.

More Than Illumination
Natural light is essential to how we perceive the built environment. It sculpts form and reveals texture, sets the mood of a room, and influences how we experience color. But beyond aesthetics, daylight plays a critical role in health and wellness. Numerous studies have linked exposure to natural light with improved mood, better sleep, and increased productivity. In residential environments, it encourages circadian rhythms and creates uplifting spaces that feel alive and dynamic throughout the day.

Natural light flooding the lobby at 7140 Optima Kierland Apartments®

The Optima® Approach to Light
Every Optima® community is designed to maximize the benefits of daylight—both functionally and emotionally. Our signature vertical landscaping and open floor plans are intentionally paired with floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, and atriums that usher in abundant natural light. Rather than relying on artificial lighting schemes to define ambiance, we let sunlight be the storyteller.

Architect Le Corbusier once observed, “The history of architecture is the history of the struggle for light.” At Optima®, we embrace that challenge with every building we design, and each project is an exploration of how to bring light more deeply—and more meaningfully—into daily life.

At Optima Lakeview® in Chicago, generous expanses of glass invite the shifting Midwest sun to animate interiors across seasons. Meanwhile, in Scottsdale, Optima Sonoran Village® balances the intensity of desert light with deeply recessed balconies, louvered shades, and carefully oriented windows that filter glare while preserving a sense of openness. The result? Spaces that glow rather than glare—comfortable year-round.

Designing for Light and Life
The use of natural light also connects architecture more deeply to the rhythms of nature. Sunlight moves. It changes hue. It surprises. Designing with daylight means inviting that sense of wonder indoors. It’s why Optima Signature® integrates multi-level atriums and sky gardens that diffuse light vertically through the building. Or why Optima Verdana® emphasizes daylight in shared amenities like its indoor pool and fitness center—because natural light elevates the ordinary into something revitalizing.

Sustainable design is another key driver of daylighting. By optimizing window placement and using high-performance glazing, we reduce the need for artificial lighting and climate control. Daylight becomes a passive resource—an environmental asset as much as a design one.

A Philosophy of Transparency
Ultimately, designing with daylight reflects a broader philosophy of transparency—both literal and metaphorical. Optima® homes invite the outside world in. They frame the horizon, celebrate greenery, and blur the boundaries between private and public space. Natural light is central to that openness. It fosters a sense of connection: to the seasons, to place, to one another.

In architecture, daylight is often called “the oldest material.” At Optima®, it remains one of the most modern. Not because it’s new, but because it continues to evolve with how we live. It’s not just a technical solution—it’s an emotional one. A tool that nurtures joy, clarity, and wellbeing in everyday life.

The Rise of ‘Blue Space’ Living: How Water Features Support Mental Wellness at Optima®

Posted on June 4, 2025June 5, 2025 by Nancy

In an increasingly urbanized world, our craving for serenity, balance, and wellness has never been more urgent. While access to green spaces—parks, gardens, and trails—has long been championed for its benefits to physical and mental health, a growing body of research is shining a light on the equally powerful concept of “blue space” living. Defined as visible water in landscapes—oceans, lakes, rivers, pools, fountains, and even rain—blue space is emerging as an essential element of well-being. At Optima®, this understanding is central to how we design our communities: with water not just as an amenity, but as an experience that nourishes the body and soothes the mind.

The Science Behind Blue Space
Studies show that being near water can reduce stress, lower heart rates, and increase feelings of calm. The sight, sound, and feel of water triggers a parasympathetic nervous system response—the part of our brain that helps us relax. Psychologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, author of Blue Mind, suggests that proximity to water can elevate mood, enhance creativity, and even improve sleep.

For residents of Optima® communities, these benefits aren’t abstract—they are woven into daily life.

Pools as Places of Presence
Every Optima® community features thoughtful aquatic design that enhances wellness and connection to the environment. At Optima Kierland Apartments®, Optima McDowell Mountain®, and Optima Lakeview®, expansive outdoor pools offer residents a tranquil escape under open skies. Optima Signature® and Optima Sonoran Village® also have outdoor pools, and further elevate the experience with elegant indoor pools designed for year-round use. And Optima Verdana® offers the best of both worlds with seamlessly integrated indoor and outdoor swimming areas. These are more than just recreational amenities—they’re restorative sanctuaries designed to nourish both body and mind.

Swimming, for instance, is a unique physical activity that combines cardio with mindfulness. The rhythmic motion and sound of water help focus the mind and reduce intrusive thoughts. For those who don’t swim, simply sitting poolside offers a sensory pause—a chance to be present and grounded.

Serene rooftop pool with spectacular mountain views at Optima McDowell Mountain®

The Power of a View
Optima® communities are often located in prime areas with visual access to lakes, rivers, or carefully landscaped water features. At Optima Signature® in Chicago, residents can gaze out toward the dynamic movement of the Chicago River, while at Optima Sonoran Village®, the intricate system of pools, fountains, and reflecting ponds creates a lush oasis in the heart of Scottsdale.

These visual touchpoints act as anchors of calm. Research from the University of Exeter found that people living within sight of blue spaces reported significantly lower levels of psychological distress. Even a framed view of water from a balcony or floor-to-ceiling window can create a restorative effect, lowering cortisol levels and offering moments of visual meditation throughout the day.

Designing for the Senses
The impact of blue space is not just visual—it’s multisensory. Optima® communities integrate cascading fountains, tranquil reflecting pools, and landscaped water elements that enhance ambient sound and thermal comfort. These features create natural white noise, masking the hum of urban life and inviting a deeper sense of retreat. Coupled with lush plantings, breeze corridors, and shaded seating areas, the result is an immersive environment that supports holistic wellness.

Blue Space, Vibrant Living
At Optima®, our philosophy is rooted in the belief that architecture should elevate everyday living. This means creating environments that are not only beautiful and functional but emotionally resonant. As the world embraces the benefits of blue space, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement—designing residences where water becomes a daily encounter with tranquility.

In communities that pulse with energy yet hold space for stillness, blue space living isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Whether it’s the hush of a morning swim, the shimmer of sunset over water, or the simple pleasure of looking out at a reflecting pool from your living room, Optima® residents experience firsthand the wellness that flows from a life lived near water.

Lakeside Cafés: Savoring Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood, One Sip at a Time

Posted on June 2, 2025 by Nancy

Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, home to Optima Lakeview®, is a community that lives up to its name—bordered by Lake Michigan to the east, the area hums with the easy rhythm of lakeside living. From early morning jogs along the lakefront path to breezy bike rides past Belmont Harbor, Lakeview residents enjoy daily access to one of the city’s most treasured natural assets. But the lake isn’t just a backdrop for recreation—it’s also an inspiration for a thriving café culture that embraces connection, calm, and community.

In Lakeview, a new kind of café experience emerges. These aren’t just places to grab a coffee and go. They’re sun-dappled spots where lake views and fresh air are part of the menu. Whether you’re sipping a cold brew after a swim, meeting a friend for a lakeside brunch, or setting up your laptop for a work session with a breeze off the water, Lakeview’s cafés offer a slower, more restorative pace that reflects the neighborhood’s unique blend of urban energy and lakeshore serenity.

Coffee with a View
At the heart of this café culture is proximity. Within just a few blocks of the lakefront, you’ll find a host of locally owned coffee shops and bakeries offering outdoor seating and menus designed to be enjoyed al fresco. Take Dollop Coffee Co., for example. With its cozy atmosphere and reliable pour-over, it’s a favorite among locals looking to caffeinate before heading toward the lake path. A few blocks south, Heritage Bikes & Coffee offers not only meticulously brewed espresso but a Scandinavian-minimalist ambiance that matches the crisp lake air.

Then there’s the newly popular Wrigleyville oasis, Big Shoulders Coffee, which caters to early risers who stroll the lake in the morning light, and serves up the city’s quintessential no-nonsense coffee with a side of neighborly warmth.

Brunch Beneath the Sky
Brunch is practically a ritual in Lakeview, and few experiences rival dining outdoors within walking distance of the lake. Spots like Coda di Volpe and Wilde Bar & Restaurant extend their patios in the warmer months, offering fresh-squeezed juices, eggy delights, and craft cocktails just steps from the lake breeze. And for those who prefer a more casual bite, the Lakefront Trail itself is dotted with seasonal stands and café trucks—perfect for a breakfast sandwich or smoothie before you head to the beach.

For a truly lakeside experience, the Dock at Montrose Beach is a hidden gem. Though technically nudging the Uptown border, its open-air setup, beachside seating, and surprisingly robust coffee game make it a destination for Lakeview residents. You can sip your latte with your feet in the sand and watch the sailboats drift by.

Cafés as Community Anchors
What makes Lakeview’s café scene so special isn’t just the quality of the coffee or the proximity to Lake Michigan—it’s the sense of place. These cafés double as neighborhood living rooms, where baristas know your name and the day’s rhythm slows to the pace of a paddleboarder on the water. Many of these establishments support local artists, host poetry nights, or offer open Wi-Fi to foster an environment where work, play, and relaxation seamlessly coexist.

As more people seek neighborhoods that offer both vitality and retreat, Lakeview’s lakeside café culture stands out as a model of balance. Here, the simple act of enjoying a coffee becomes something larger—a celebration of environment, community, and quality of life.

So whether you’re a longtime resident or just passing through, pull up a chair, feel the breeze roll in off Lake Michigan, and let Lakeview’s lakeside cafés remind you how good it is to slow down and savor.

Lace Up for the North Shore Classic: A Summer Tradition Returns

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Nancy

As summer begins to warm the waters of Lake Michigan, one of the North Shore’s most beloved racing events is gearing up for another exhilarating season. The annual North Shore Classic, scheduled for Sunday, June 1, 2025, is a celebration of community, wellness, and scenic running that brings athletes of all levels together. For residents of Optima Verdana®, this race offers a perfect opportunity to get active, connect with neighbors, and experience the vibrant energy of Highland Park.

A Race with Heart and History
The North Shore Classic is one of Chicagoland’s premier summer racing events, offering both a USATF-certified half marathon and a 5K course. With decades of tradition behind it, the race has become a staple for seasoned runners and beginners alike. Whether you’re training for a marathon or simply enjoy walking or running through picturesque neighborhoods and tree-lined streets, the North Shore Classic offers an inclusive, festive atmosphere.

The half marathon route is thoughtfully designed, guiding runners through Highland Park’s charming downtown, quiet residential areas, and lakefront roads, delivering plenty of scenic views and enthusiastic local support along the way. For those seeking a shorter challenge, the 5K course provides a fun and approachable option, making the event ideal for friends, families, and community groups.

Community and Celebration at the Core
Beyond the finish line, the North Shore Classic is known for its robust post-race festivities. Participants and spectators alike can enjoy the lively Race Village in downtown Highland Park, featuring music, vendor booths, giveaways, and refreshments. From locally roasted coffee to snacks and hydration options, the post-race experience celebrates more than athleticism—it highlights the shared joy of achievement and togetherness.

This year’s race is again presented by the Highland Park Community Foundation, and a portion of proceeds will support the Foundation’s local grantmaking, underscoring the event’s deep ties to the local community. It’s not just about crossing the finish line; it’s about making a meaningful impact and giving back to the community we call home.

Race Day Details and Registration
The race kicks off on Sunday, June 2, with the half marathon starting at 7:00 a.m., followed by the 5K at 7:30 a.m. Runners can pick up their race packets in advance or on race day, and every registered participant will receive a commemorative race shirt and finisher medal.

Interested runners can register directly through the official website: northshoreclassic.com. Early registration is encouraged, as the race has seen growing participation in recent years.

Optima® Residents: Hit Your Stride
For residents of Optima Verdana®, the North Shore Classic offers the ideal blend of fitness, social connection, and support for local causes—all values that align with the active and engaged lifestyle found in our communities. Whether you’re running your first 5K or looking to set a personal best in the half marathon, the event is a fun and rewarding way to engage with the broader Highland Park community.

Even if you’re not running, the North Shore Classic is well worth attending to cheer on your neighbors, enjoy the festivities, and soak up the collective energy of one of the North Shore’s signature events. So mark your calendar, lace up your running shoes, and get ready for a classic start to the summer.

A New Standard in Sustainability: Optima McDowell Mountain® Debuts America’s Largest Private Rainwater Harvesting System

Posted on May 27, 2025 by Nancy

At Optima®, we believe that architectural design and environmental responsibility should be inseparable. That belief drives every detail of our communities, from energy-efficient building systems to lush vertical landscaping. Now, with the debut of America’s largest private residential rainwater harvesting system at Optima McDowell Mountain® in Scottsdale, we’re pushing that commitment even further—creating a new benchmark in sustainable living.

Innovation That Starts From the Sky
Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, where water conservation is critical, Optima McDowell Mountain® was designed to reflect the needs of both the local environment and the people who call it home. The new rainwater harvesting system spans the 3.75-acre development and captures, filters, and reuses rainwater to support the community’s expansive landscape needs.

With a storage capacity of 200,000 gallons, this cutting-edge system ensures that even in a region where rain is infrequent but intense, every drop is used wisely. Rainwater collected from the rooftops, terraces, and hardscape surfaces is channeled through engineered drains and filtration systems into large underground cisterns. This water is then repurposed for irrigation throughout the property’s extensive outdoor spaces, which feature native and drought-tolerant vegetation carefully curated to thrive in Scottsdale’s unique climate.

Designing for a Desert Future
Water scarcity is one of the defining environmental challenges of the Southwest. As populations grow and climate patterns shift, forward-thinking solutions are essential—not just for new buildings but for the long-term sustainability of entire communities. Without question, Optima McDowell Mountain®’s rainwater harvesting system is a stunning technical achievement; it is also a meaningful step toward reimagining how luxury and environmental stewardship can—and must—coexist.

The system dramatically reduces the development’s dependence on municipal water, lessening its impact on an already stressed water supply. For residents, that means living in a place that not only looks beautiful but is actively working to protect the natural world that surrounds it.

Integrating Nature and Community
True to Optima®’s philosophy of biophilic design, this system isn’t just behind the scenes—it’s part of a larger vision that connects architecture with nature. Lush courtyards, green spaces, and signature vertical gardens at Optima McDowell Mountain® are all supported by the harvested rainwater, providing vibrant and ever-changing scenery for residents to enjoy year-round.

These spaces are more than aesthetic features—they are active contributors to wellbeing, encouraging connection with nature, relaxation, and community engagement. Whether enjoying a morning coffee on a private terrace, walking the verdant paths, or gathering with neighbors in outdoor lounges, residents of Optima McDowell Mountain® experience firsthand how sustainability enhances quality of life.

A Model for What’s Next
Optima McDowell Mountain® exemplifies the future of development in water-conscious regions by leveraging intelligent design and sustainable innovation. As America’s largest private rainwater harvesting system of its kind, it sets a precedent for what’s possible—and what should be expected—from contemporary architecture in the age of climate resilience.

At Optima®, we’re proud to lead by example, continually seeking bold ways to bring sustainability and beauty into harmony. With projects like Optima McDowell Mountain®, we’re not just designing buildings—we’re helping shape a healthier, smarter, and more sustainable world, one drop at a time.

Memorial Day Weekend at Arizona Boardwalk

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Nancy

For Optima® residents in Scottsdale, Memorial Day weekend offers the perfect opportunity to unwind, explore, and enjoy the vibrant experiences just beyond your doorstep. One standout destination? Arizona Boardwalk—an immersive entertainment complex located at the gateway to the Talking Stick Entertainment District. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, interactive exhibits, or simply a change of pace for the long weekend, Arizona Boardwalk delivers it all.

A One-Stop Destination for Discovery
Situated just a short drive from Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, and Optima McDowell Mountain®, Arizona Boardwalk is home to a variety of attractions that are as educational as they are entertaining. With indoor and outdoor experiences, the venue makes a great choice no matter the weather.

Lemon Shark at the OdySea Aquarium. Credit: Andy Blackledge on Flickr Creative Commons. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 Deed.

Headlining the lineup is the OdySea Aquarium, the largest in the Southwest, where you can explore over 370 species of marine life. The aquarium’s innovative exhibits—like the rotating “Living Sea” carousel and deep-sea touch pools—captivate visitors of all ages. If you’re looking for a cool (literally!) way to spend part of your holiday weekend, this is an ideal choice.

Adjacent to the aquarium is Butterfly Wonderland, the largest butterfly conservatory in the country. Step into a rainforest habitat filled with thousands of butterflies fluttering freely among lush tropical plants. It’s a serene and beautiful experience, perfect for nature lovers or anyone looking to slow down and soak in the wonder of the natural world.

Fun for All Ages
For families with children, Pangaea: Land of the Dinosaurs offers an exciting journey back in time. With animatronic dinosaurs, educational exhibits, and hands-on activities, it’s an engaging way to ignite kids’ imaginations.

Other exciting options include Cyber Quest, a high-energy arcade that emphasizes non-violent games and family-friendly fun, and Laser + Mirror Maze, where quick reflexes and a sense of adventure are rewarded in a labyrinth of lights and illusions.

Dining and Relaxation
After working up an appetite, Arizona Boardwalk also offers several dining options. Grab a handcrafted burger or artisan pizza, indulge in sweet treats like gourmet ice cream, or sit down for a refreshing cocktail. Many eateries feature outdoor patios—perfect for soaking up the Arizona sun while enjoying a leisurely lunch.

The venue is also well-designed for strolling, with shaded walkways, open-air plazas, and water features that create a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere. Over Memorial Day weekend, look for pop-up vendors, live music, and holiday-themed events that bring extra energy and excitement to the Boardwalk.

Easy Access, Effortless Fun
Arizona Boardwalk is easily accessible and offers free parking, making it a stress-free outing for Optima® residents. Whether you’re planning a family excursion, a romantic afternoon, or a solo adventure, it’s a convenient and captivating way to make the most of your long weekend.

A Celebration of Curiosity and Connection
At Optima®, we believe that a vibrant lifestyle includes not just beautiful places to live, but opportunities to explore, learn, and connect. Arizona Boardwalk embodies that spirit. With its eclectic mix of attractions, cultural experiences, and fun-filled programming, it’s the kind of destination that invites you to stay curious, stay active, and make lasting memories.

This Memorial Day weekend, why not take a short trip to a place where adventure, discovery, and relaxation come together? Arizona Boardwalk is ready to welcome you. Visit their website to make your plans!.

Wellderliness and the Optima® Lifestyle: Aging Vibrantly by Design

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Nancy

At Optima®, our communities are built around more than architecture—they’re built around people. From thoughtfully integrated green spaces to fitness-focused amenities, the Optima® lifestyle supports wellbeing at every age. It’s no surprise, then, that a rising wellness philosophy known as wellderliness aligns so naturally with how our residents live, thrive, and grow.

The term “wellderliness” merges two powerful ideas: wellness and elderliness. Rather than viewing aging through the narrow lens of decline, wellderliness reframes it as an active, vibrant, and dynamic phase of life. It prioritizes lifelong curiosity, emotional connection, movement, creativity, and purpose—all values that resonate deeply within Optima® communities.

Living Well, Wherever You Are in Life
Whether in our Scottsdale or Chicago communities, every Optima® property is designed to remove barriers and create opportunities for wellness to flourish. Wellderliness isn’t a program or a product—it’s a mindset. And at Optima®, that mindset is built into the very fabric of daily life.

Residents at Optima Verdana® gather regularly to play canasta.

Residents enjoy easy access to world-class fitness centers, yoga studios, indoor and outdoor pools, walking paths, and curated social programming—all contributing to the active lifestyles that wellderliness encourages. Movement isn’t just for youth; it’s a lifelong companion to mental clarity, mood regulation, and physical strength. The design of Optima® buildings invites motion, whether it’s a walk along the verdant landscaped terraces or a swim in the rooftop pool with skyline views.

Social Wellness and Connection
One of the pillars of wellderliness is meaningful social connection. Studies show that staying socially engaged is as vital to longevity as diet and exercise. At Optima®, that principle is supported through warm, integrated communities that promote daily interaction. From resident-organized book clubs to spontaneous chats over morning coffee in the lounge, opportunities to connect are woven into the architecture.

Many residents form friendships through shared spaces—like pickleball courts, fitness classes, or community events—and these relationships evolve into informal support systems. That’s wellderliness in action: community fostering vitality.

Spaces that Nurture Purpose and Creativity
Purposeful living is another essential part of wellderliness. Whether that’s learning a new skill, giving back, or pursuing creative expression, the freedom to explore is critical. Optima®’s expansive amenity offerings, from multipurpose rooms to serene garden courtyards, give residents the space to read, create, volunteer, or simply reflect. Residents who find purpose in art, music, or mentoring younger neighbors often say that these outlets are what keep them feeling fully alive.

Wellderliness also embraces beauty and nature as necessary to wellbeing. The biophilic design of Optima® communities—featuring vertical landscaping, abundant natural light, and carefully curated art—helps residents feel at ease and inspired in their surroundings. Simply put, Optima® makes it easy to fall in love with where you live, every single day.

The Path Forward
As society rethinks aging, the concept of wellderliness is leading the way. It offers a hopeful, joyful perspective on what’s possible at every stage of life. At Optima®, we’ve always believed that design has the power to elevate how we live. With spaces that celebrate wellness, beauty, and connection, our communities are the perfect setting for residents to embrace the principles of wellderliness—and to age not just gracefully, but vibrantly.

Rudolph Schindler: The Quiet Radical Who Reshaped Modernist Architecture

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Nancy

At Optima®, we draw continual inspiration from the architects whose pioneering visions redefined the built environment. Among them, few figures loom larger—or more quietly transformative—than Rudolph Schindler. An Austrian-born architect who made his greatest contributions in the United States, Schindler created work that blended philosophy, craft, and a deeply personal vision of how space could enrich daily life. Though once overshadowed by contemporaries like Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra, Schindler’s legacy endures as one of the most innovative voices in modernist architecture.

From Vienna to Los Angeles: A Transatlantic Shift in Thinking
Born in 1887 in Vienna, Schindler was educated at the Technische Hochschule (now TU Wien), steeped in the intellectual ferment of early 20th-century Europe. There, he absorbed the influence of the Vienna Secession and the evolving ideas of functionalism and spatial dynamism. In 1914, he immigrated to the U.S. to work with Frank Lloyd Wright, drawn by the promise of a new architectural language being forged in the American landscape.

While Wright would prove to be a pivotal figure in Schindler’s early career—particularly during their collaboration on the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo—Schindler soon began forging a philosophy all his own, one that broke decisively from both Beaux-Arts tradition and even Wright’s organic romanticism.

How House, Silver Lake (Los Angeles). Credit: Niels Wouters on Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

The Schindler House: A Radical Vision of Domestic Life
Schindler’s breakthrough came in 1922 with the completion of his own home in West Hollywood, known today as the Schindler House. Built of tilt-up concrete slabs and redwood panels, the house rejected the conventions of rooms and hallways in favor of open, flexible spaces that flowed into outdoor courtyards. It functioned not as a single-family home but as a live/work commune for two families—an experiment in shared living decades ahead of its time.

The Schindler House embodied what would become central to his work: a belief that architecture should be responsive, democratic, and rooted in its climate and landscape. It challenged the formality of domestic life and proposed instead a new kind of architecture that prioritized freedom, community, and the sensual experience of space.

Space Architecture: A Language of Light, Flow, and Terrain
Schindler famously rejected the label “International Style,” opting instead for what he called “space architecture.” This wasn’t about surfaces or ornamentation, but about crafting volumes and planes in a way that shaped light, movement, and human interaction. He pioneered techniques like split-level floor plans, built-in furniture, and the integration of natural materials to blur the line between inside and out.

Throughout Southern California, Schindler applied these ideas to a range of modestly scaled homes and small commercial buildings. Projects like the Lovell Beach House (1926), How House (1925), and the Sachs Apartments (1929) all reflect a deeply personal, site-sensitive approach—modernism that breathes, that shelters, that liberates.

Legacy and Relevance
Though he never enjoyed the commercial success or institutional acclaim of some peers, Schindler’s influence on modern architecture is profound. His work laid the groundwork for later developments in West Coast modernism and inspired generations of architects who sought to design with empathy and authenticity.

At Optima®, we share Schindler’s belief that design should respond to its environment and elevate the everyday. His legacy reminds us that architecture, at its best, is not a statement of power, but an expression of possibility—a carefully sculpted frame for life’s quiet rituals and bold moments alike.

In honoring Rudolph Schindler, we honor an architect who didn’t just build structures—he created spaces for living that still resonate with the values of modernism: clarity, integrity, and a deep respect for the human spirit.

Making a Splash: The Joys of Learning to Swim as an Adult

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Nancy

Learning to swim as an adult can be a transformative experience—equal parts physical fitness, personal triumph, and sheer joy. At Optima®, where every community is thoughtfully designed with access to exceptional indoor and outdoor pool facilities, residents are uniquely positioned to explore the benefits of swimming in a supportive, beautifully designed environment. While many associate swimming with childhood lessons and summertime play, the truth is, it’s never too late to dip your toes into the water. Whether you’re starting from scratch or rediscovering the water after years away, learning to swim opens the door to wellness, confidence, and a new kind of personal freedom.

Why Learn to Swim Now?
Swimming is a low-impact, full-body workout that builds cardiovascular endurance, strengthens muscles, and improves flexibility—all without putting stress on your joints. For adults, especially those easing into or maintaining a fitness regimen, it offers an ideal blend of resistance training and aerobic exercise. Plus, there’s a deep sense of accomplishment in mastering a skill that may have once felt out of reach.

Beyond the physical perks, swimming also has powerful mental health benefits. The meditative rhythm of laps, the weightlessness of the water, and the focus on breath work all contribute to stress reduction and enhanced mindfulness—values that resonate throughout Optima®’s wellness-centered communities.

Supportive Places to Begin in Chicago
Chicago’s urban setting offers a surprising number of opportunities for adult swim lessons, both for beginners and those looking to refine technique. The Chicago Park District provides a range of adult classes at local indoor pools throughout the city. Classes are typically structured in tiers, allowing learners to progress at their own pace, with experienced instructors who create a welcoming, non-intimidating environment.

Private fitness centers like the East Bank Club or Lakeshore Sport & Fitness also offer personalized swim coaching and small group sessions. For those living at Optima Signature® or Optima Lakeview®, proximity to both public and private aquatic centers makes regular practice easy and convenient.

Additionally, organizations like the Chicago Blue Dolphins offer adult swim programs focused on everything from learning freestyle to conquering open water swimming—ideal for anyone eyeing a triathlon or simply hoping to feel more confident in the water.

7140_outdoor_pool — Rooftop pool at 7140 Optima Kierland Apartments®

Scottsdale’s Sun-Drenched Swim Culture
With year-round sunshine and an outdoor lifestyle at its core, Scottsdale is a natural place to learn to swim at any age. Residents of Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, or Optima McDowell Mountain® are already in the heart of a community that prioritizes fitness and connection to the outdoors—and pools are often just steps away.

The City of Scottsdale’s Parks and Recreation Department offers adult swim lessons at various public aquatic centers, including the popular Eldorado Mountain Aquatic Center and McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center. Lessons range from absolute beginner classes to technique-focused clinics, and many are offered in the early mornings or evenings to suit working schedules.

For a more customized approach, private clubs like Village Health Clubs and the YMCA offer one-on-one instruction, with trained coaches who specialize in helping adults overcome anxiety and build lasting confidence in the water.

A Lifelong Gift
Whether you’re learning for safety, fitness, fun, or simply to check something off your personal bucket list, adult swim lessons can be a deeply rewarding experience. It’s about more than just strokes and breathing techniques—it’s about growth, resilience, and reclaiming a sense of freedom in the water.

At Optima®, where active, balanced living is at the heart of every community, we encourage residents to explore new challenges that enhance well-being and foster connection. So take the plunge—you might discover that swimming isn’t just a skill, but a celebration of movement, self-trust, and joyful exploration.

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Author: Nancy