By Vicki O’Neal,
CID, ASID
So many construction and design features persist simply because “that’s just the way it’s done.” Inertia is hard to break, and standards are sometimes perpetuated without much thought as to whether they make sense. A good example is the soap dish mounted in the middle of the shower directly in the path of water flow, causing the soap to disintegrate. That design
hung around for many years, even though it was far from ideal.
Now and then, something comes along to shake up the status quo. In commercial construction, a major design rethink began to take hold as a result of the 1990 federally legislated Americans
with Disabilities Act, or ADA. But there was another movement quietly working in the wings that predates ADA. It has roots in the post-World War II era in response to the needs of veterans. That movement, now gaining popularity due to its inclusive and creative nature, is Universal Design.
Universal Design is not well known in consumer language. The term may sound a bit vague or esoteric, but it is at the heart of some of the most innovative designs and products coming into the mainstream. Although aligned with the principles that are integral to ADA,
Universal Design actually integrates far more depth and scope.
Universal Design encompasses the design of spaces, environments,
communications, and products that can be navigated and utilized to the greatest extent possible by the greatest number and diversity of people.
Not only concerning accessibility, Universal Design is a holistic philosophy which incorporates
practicality, convenience, common sense, safety, and ease of use into our everyday activities and tasks whether we are at home, at work, or in public spaces. Due to strict regulations
and criteria, ADA often conjures images of institutional necessities such as wheelchair
ramps, lifts, and other utilitarian architectural feat ures. In contrast, the application of Universal Design principles often results in subtle and inventive solutions, making spaces and products more useful and beautiful than they could have otherwise been. It doesn’t have to be either/or.
Universal Design could be called design for the collective good, incorporating safety and convenience for all. For example, parking lot curb cuts at corners are commonplace as an ADA requirement for easy wheelchair navigation. Added benefit was instantly realized for the larger population, including pedestrians, those pushing a baby stroller or shopping cart, delivery personnel, bicyclers, or skateboarders. The ultimate objective of Universal Design is to create built environments that are user friendly to people of all ages, abilities, and needs.
Many simple solutions can be seamlessly incorporated into our homes. When planning a remodeling project or renovation, consider integrating Universal Design features.
Around The House
1. Mount light switches at a lower height that can be operated from a seated position.
2. Use rocker panel light switches instead
of standard small toggle switches.
3. Minimize changes in floor level. Every step can be a potential tripping hazard or future issue for navigation.
4. Consider a first floor master bedroom
which is ideal for life-span living.
5. Avoid mounting items on the wall that protrude from the wall surface.
6. Install pulls instead of knobs on cabinetry.
7. Provide high level and high quality lighting. Use dimmers for flexibility in lighting level. Maximize views to the outdoors and natural light for the uplifting psychological effect.
Paths And Flooring
1. Keep paths and doorways clear of obstacles, inside and out.
2. Choose non-slip flooring materials.
Check the slip resistance rating of your selection.
3. Avoid throw rugs that can pose a tripping risk.
4. Keep the floor surface one level by avoiding installation of thresholds between materials.
Hallways And Doors
1. Insure easy access with wider openings.
Doors and openings should be a minimum of 36” wide.
2. Plan spacious hallways, 44” to 48” wide.
3. Install lever style hardware on doors in lieu of door knobs.
Closets
1. Include adequate lighting in every closet.
2. Install hanging rods on adjustable hardware for varying mounting heights. Not only does this give versatility for flexible storage, it integrates solutions to needs that may arise in the future.
3. Use wall surfaces for storage of items such as scarves, purses, and belts.
Kitchen
1. Choose the right tool for the task. There are wonderful ergonomic products
available for every conceivable job in the kitchen.
2. Utilize drawers in lieu of shelves in base cabinets and pantries for easy access to contents. This eliminates the need to bend down and go searching in the black hole of a deep base cabinet.
3. Bring a portion of upper cabinets down to countertop level for easy seated access for commonly used items.
4. Install knobs, pulls, and faucet handles that require no gripping. They should be operable with a closed fist only. Faucets with motion sensor activation
are effortless and the ultimate in sanitation.
5. Install appliances with convenience and safety in mind- i.e. lower cooktop, raise dishwasher, and utilize drawer microwaves.
Bathroom
1. Build in flexibility by choosing height adjustable shower heads and hand-held faucets.
2. Mount shower plumbing controls at a lower height for seated operation.
3. Install vanity cabinets that are 34-36” high so that less stooping is required.
4. Create ease of entry with the installation
of a curbless shower.
5. Mount grab bars and a fold down seat in the shower.
6. Install a recessed storage niche to keep the walls free of obstacles.
In an instant, a simple broken leg can dramatically
change the experience of everyday life. It makes sense to build in maximum versatility
and flexibility, and to plan for all stages
of life no matter what the picture looks like today. We are savvy consumers and through choice in the marketplace are demanding high quality designs and products that are stylish, intuitive, safe, and a good value.
Whatever the need, whether moving through your home, a public building, or performing a simple task such as operating a can opener, incorporating flexible and enduring
design solutions promotes sustainability and makes life abundantly easier and more enjoyable. Universal Design is the epitome of the classic design ideal “form follows function.”
_______________________________
Vicki O’Neal, owner of FORM & FUNCTION, provides
commercial and residential interior and landscape
design. She is a professional member of ASID, VA Certified
Interior Designer (CID), Master Gardener, and a
VA Certified Landscape Designer and Horticulturist.
(804) 897-8558 | www.form-and-function.us
The material contained in articles written by Vicki O’Neal is
intended for general information only. |
