Architect‘s statement Though a large building, the program elements ate scaled to fit comfortably into a neighborhood of single-family homes. Independent living senior apartments flank the entty court to the north, while a U-shaped house to the south provides dementia care, skilled nursing, and assisted living options on each of its three floors. Completed in September 2001, the $32 million, 170,000-square-toot facility incorporates 24 assisted living units, 91 independent living units, and 68 specialized nursing/dementia units. These residential environments are connected through the idea of an interior street or promenade lined with social spaces that link the small-scale neighborhoods. Major design objectives One of the first retirement communities of its kind in Japan, Sun City Takatsuki: Represents the challenge of creating retirement living in a country with no tradition of senior living. Bridges the cultural divide between western programs and insights and Japanese family traditions and culture. Serves Japan‘s rapidly aging population in a contemporary, high service and hospitality-like setting.