Universal Design refers to the idea of creating buildings and interiors that absolutely anyone can access and enjoy safely and easily, no matter their level of disability or mobility. But Universal Design doesn't so much refer to adding a bunch of wheelchair ramps to existing structures. It touches on the idea of designing spaces that have wide accessibility built right in — unseen and seamless with the beautiful design elements.
Born from the advances in medical technology and other technologies that allow people to live longer and better with illnesses and injuries, Universal Design just makes sense: why not create environments, both public and private, that allow ease of use and ultimate enjoyment of architecture, in a way that isn't obnoxiously noticeable?
So yes, wheelchair access is an easy example of Universal Design, but so are door handles designed to be easier to open for older folks with arthritis and limited arm strength. Or brightly colored corridors for those with limited visibility. Countertops of varying heights to accommodate folks with varying heights. And don't think Universal Design only refers to architecture design — it's a term that works across the board, from industrial design of products to even transportation, like buses that lower down to the curb to eliminate difficult steps up.
Even if you are as healthy as a horse, Universal Design is still something to think about. Knock on wood an injury or illness never comes your way, but keep in mind that there's one thing none of us can prevent, and that's getting older. If you think you've found your forever home you'd like to grow old in, while you have the ability to make small adjustments now might be the time to consider making your home more accessible before you need it!
For more in-depth information about the Universal Design check out:
• Universal Design Tips for the Home!
• Put Safety First: 14 Universal Design Tips
• Universal Design Wiki
(Images: Delta Faucets; Architectural Record Continuing Education Center)
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Ever since I saw the handle less faucet I thought "somebody finally understands". I would kill to have that in my house. Ok maybe not kill but it's a great idea.
I have one of the "touch" faucets....love it. Often I forget when I am in other kitchens & start tapping the faucet!
My brother and SIL added a handicapped accessible addition to their house for their son, who is physically disabled and uses a wheelchair. They hired an architect who specializes in design for the disabled. The trims and finishes were chosen to match with the existing house.
The addition has wider doorways, pocket doors which are more wheelchair friendly than doors that swing out, a bathroom vanity that a wheelchair can fit under, a roll-in shower, there are no door sills to mess up a wheelchair.
You know what everyone notices and comments on? The rocker switches for the lights. All the rest of the adaptive design doesn't stand out at all.
The only problem they've found is that the few doors that aren't pocket doors have levers instead of handles. Small children can open these much more easily than doors with door knobs, and at a younger age.
Ugh, I'm having issues with this as I recover from pneumonia and a fractured rib. My lungs are super weak and I can't get around well without a walker or wheelchair at the moment.
But (of course), both my apartment and my office are third floor walkups (sans elevators) in dense urban areas where street parking is the only option (no handicapped spaces to make use of). Because of that, I've had to take a leave from work and stay with family. I'm conflicted because part of me thinks there should be a handicapped space on every block, but my god, parking is already overcrowded and I can't imagine the strain that would cause. It seems like this would be a good universal design issue for city planners to tackle.
When we redid our porch, we had the front walkway (which curves slightly) angle up from the sidewalk (no steps) and put in an ADA-approved threshold on the door. Most people don't realize it's a wheelchair ramp. The people who need it, though, appreciate it a lot! It's made me want to keep universal design in mind as we remodel the rest of the house.
Personally I'd rather have a foot pedal operated faucet....
My folks home in the '60s had a cement ramp on a side of the steps to the front door put in by the previous owner. Wrought iron railing on ramp and steps with shrubs along the side of the ramp, it looked quite good and actually was nice not to watch out for steps when carrying in heavy objects.