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Universal Design is not just for the aging or disabled. It creates a barrier
free, easy flow process that supports everyone, and allows for effortless life
transitions. Universal Design increases home value, and brings a higher level
of conscious design integrity to offices, schools, and medical facilities. In
Feng Shui language, Universal Design creates a positive flow of chi - life force
in an environment. Building with foresight and adaptablility brings a light level
of empowerment to all individuals. Universal Design strategies need to move out
of the elderly and disabled envelope and become a part of the overal building
and redesign process.
Just as Green Design has become forefront in "building
healthy building bones", and saving energy, Universal Design is another part
of the Conscious Design™ process that create a higher potential for healthy
and empowering space. Definition:
Universal
design is a relatively new paradigm that emerged from "barrier-free"
or "accessible design" and "assistive technology." Barrier
free design and assistive technology provide a level of accessibility for people
with disabilities but they also often result in separate and stigmatizing solutions,
for example, a ramp that leads to a different entry to a building than a main
stairway.
Universal design strives to be a broad-spectrum solution that
helps everyone, not just people with disabilities. Moreover, it recognizes
the importance of how things look. For example, while built up handles are a way
to make utensils more usable for people with gripping limitations, some companies
introduced larger, easy to grip and attractive handles as feature of mass produced
utensils. They appeal to a wide range of consumers.
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "The
intent of universal design is to simplify life for everyone by making products,
communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible
at little or no extra cost. Universal design benefits people of all ages and abilities.
"
http://www.design.ncsu.edu. The AARP says: "Because of universal
design, people who are very different can all enjoy the same home. And that home
will be there for all its inhabitants even when their needs change. " Universal
Design allows the "aging in place" process to unfold. People can be
given a choice to stay in their own homes as their needs change. I loved these
easy suggestions: When building a closet, add some adjustable brackets. This will
allow easy access for a young child, growing up with them, and making an
easy transition if wheelchair access is needed. When building consider adding
cabinets with pull-out shelves, kitchen counters at various heights for a variety
of different tasks. Adding color-contrast dishes that have steep sides are a simple
solution to help those with visual and dexterity challenges.
Wayfinding
is a fabulous term that is incorporated into the Universal Design process. To
be really effective, wayfinding and signage programs should be accessible to everyone,
therefore multi-sensory. We can no longer have the arrogance to design for a select
group” states Coco Raynes, inventor and renowned designer. The importance
of access to information in a public space is just as important as physical access
was quoted as the base for Rayne’s work in the Universal Design newsletter.
Here are some examples of Universal Design Applications - Home
Designs : One Story Homes or the Main Living Level including a full bath and bedroom.
- Exterior Entry having
no steps
- Clear, Barrier
free pathway to the front door ( also great Feng Shui)
- A
covered entry way is a benefit.
- Easy
maintenance strategy for exterior and interior.
- No
drops or steps between rooms or transition areas on the same level. Keep door
threshholds flush with the floor.
- Turn
Radius: Turn around clearance: 5 ' by 5' in bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, living
room. Uncluttered floor space -
great for an open feeling, and allows wheel
chair access. - Doorwaysand
Halls : Wide, allowing at least 32- 36 " s that are 32-36 inches for a wheelchair.
This is great for a big "welcoming" feeling, and also makes it easy
to move large objects from room to room.
- Good
Lighting, especially in entries and halls. Use light switches with large flat
panels, not small switches.
- All
fixtures within a reachable height.
- Easy
open windows.
- Adjustable
shelving.
- Non slip surfaces
on floors, and bathtub/showers and safety handrails are safety features that will
benefit everyone.
- Door
handles that are lever styles, not a knob, are easy for everyone to use.
- Central
Vacumn system
- Convenient
Built in systems for recycling, pet feeding, etc.
- Video
Phones
- Stereo and Intercom
sytem
Picture
of Universally Designed Kitchen Cabinet
Sources:
www.universaldesign.com
www.raynesassociates.com
http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_design
http://www.toolbase.org
http://www.falconhomesinc.com
http://www.design.ncsu.edu/
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