Universal Design

What is Universal Design, you may ask? Well, it evolved from earlier terms “barrier-free design” and “accessible design”. Universal Design is also associated with the phrase “Design For All” (DFA) which refers to the idea that anything that is designed should be practical and satisfying. Universal Design is driven by flexibility and inclusivity, regardless of the age, size, social status or health.

The principles are regularly applied to residential and commercial spaces and to built environments in communities. You can also apply these principles when you’re creating a strategy on remaking a floor plan, a kitchen refit, or bathroom remodel. Tese principles of universal design can be seen all around (at work, in your smarthphone, a piece of software, your desktop computer or even your chair).

Origins of universal design

Architect Ronald L. Mace formulated the term of Universal Design, in order to be applied to living and work spaces, but also to all built environments. This phrase had the purpose of including any human-made structure and area designed to be used or occupied by humans. Ronald L. Mace wanted to incorporate accessibility as a factor in building codes. He is also known for founding the Center For Universal Design in North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. Until his death in 1998, he was considered to be a outstanding champion of inclusive design. He was particularly noticed when it came to accessibility in buildings.
In the 21^st century, the concept of universal design moves beyond the approach which says that accessibility is a specialized area only meant for a certain segment of the population. It is acknowledged that there are a huge number of factors make an important concept and set of design approaches for the benefit of everyone.

Why is universal design important for spaces and communities?

Accessibility is not a limited term for those who are currently disabled, elderly, or otherwise physically challenged. It takes into account that either by nature or by circumstance, our field of competences will change over time.

Universal design makes certain that our levels of comfort and our dignity will be greater served as our range of abilities adapt or are changed over time.
21^st century household occupancy is defined more and more by multi-generations because this means that you and your whole family might be sharing that same space. This principle aids that everyone’s needs are taking care of in the same living space.

Another important concept is guided after the fact that populations are aging, and living longer is happening thanks to modern medicine, better diets, and healthier lifestyles. As a result, between the years 2000 to 2050, the number of elderly citizens is predicted to increase 135%.

People who will be 85 years and over during this span of years and who will need their physical needs addressed is a group that is set to increase in size by a whopping 350%. That is a significant number of people who will expect that a new range of abilities will be available for the design of their homes and communities.

Who benefits from Universal Design?

The benefiters can be the following groups:

1. The physically challenged and elderly
2. Those assisting the physically challenged and elderly
3. Those who will become physically challenged and elderly themselves

Everyone benefits from universal design. It provides an approach for both present and future states of experiences and abilities. Universal design acknowledges that accessibility is important for everyone at different stages, and under unpredictable changes in circumstance in our lives.

What Are The Characteristics of Universal Design?

There are 7 principles of universal design:

1. Equitable use – regardless of their range of ability, the first principle informs us that Universal Design is practical for everyone, without focusing on or isolating groups.
2. Flexibility of use – accounting for numerous arrangements of use and changes in physical capacity of users over time, this principle informs us that Universal Design is tempting to a large range of options in relation to ability and propensity.
3. Simple, intuitive use – means that is easy to understand and use regardless of experience, skill, language, or physical and mental capacity.
4. Perceptible use – means that there is basic information about how to interact, be comfortable and safe. This is clearly conveyed regardless of the physical factors affecting.
5. Tolerance for error– means that consequences of involuntary actions are accounted for and minimized.
6. Low physical effort – means that it is easy to interact without applying undo exertion, repetitive actions, or having to depart from neutral body positions or states.
7. Appropriate size and space – are dimensions and elements that reach the line of sight, spatial relationships, manipulation, and mobility are empowered for all ages, ranges of ability, body types, and posture.

Examples of universal design in homes, commercial spaces, community spaces
Here are a few example of how universal design can be understood:

• “Stepless” entryways were created for easy access.
• Wide hallways, doorways, and entryways are designed for wheelchair users.
• In order to reduce margin of errors, large loop handles on doors and fixtures are installed.
• In order to prevent falls, impact-resistant surfaces (rubber floors and cork floors) are installed.
• Slip-resistant flooring surfaces; textured porcelain tile, slate tile.
• Easily accessible lighting with simple controls.
• Smooth flooring (vinyl, laminate, wood, tile surfaces) that can be used by wheelchairs and walkers.
• Walk-in, “curbless” showers.
• In order to avoid unnecessary and unsafe reaching, front-controlled and front-loading appliances are installed.
• Hand-held fixtures; shower heads, adapted kitchen taps.
• Mid-range height placement of cabinetry.
• For differing height requirements, multi-level countertops and vanities to account are installed.
• Contrasting colors and color coding that make access points and exits more immediately obvious.
• Railings and grab-bars.
• Ramps with gentle inclines and level landings.

Important Milestones in Accessibility Issues, Barrier-Free Design, and Universal Design

• 1961: American National Institute (ANSI) A117.1 becomes the private sector model for a technical standard for accessible features. Later on in 2009, it was updated.
• 1968 : Architectural barriers act passed
• 1973: Rehabilitation Act, prohibiting discrimination due to range of ability. This act stipulates systemic accommodation for those with physical limitations in the workplace in section 504.
• 1988: Universal design incorporated into the Fair Housing Amendments Act.
• 1990: the Americans with Disabilities Act passed.
• 1998 – 2002: Amendments in US law made to cover the construction of state and local facilities, play areas for children, and recreational facilities
• 2004 – present: Accessible design made to address issues of accessibility in order to preserve the technical and scoping amendments standards of ADA.