"the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design." -Architect Ron Mace of the Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University
What is Universal Design in the Home?
A home accessible by all- elderly loved ones and the children, handicapped, athletic and everyone in between. A home that is beautiful and comfortable. A universal home.
The family dynamics of today's society are changing. Life expectancy continues to increase, as does the cost of care and housing. More elderly are moving in with younger family members or remaining in their homes today than in the past. In universal design a home is designed to accommodate each member of our family as well as any guest, at the present and for years to come. It is a good way to accommodate the multi-generational family and a smart way to prepare the home for the future needs of residents, loved ones and welcome visitors.
How Does Universal Design Effect the Value of My Home?
Years ago the universal design options for a home were institutional and repulsive. Unless an urgent need was present, homeowners would steer clear of the early designs. However, the universal home of today no longer resembles a hospital, it is very appealing. Public interest in universal design has become widespread, encouraging
today's manufacturers to provide innovative, attractive designs for residential use.
And the desire for a home with universal design is found in all generations of home buyers. From the young family that appreciates the open and well-planned living space, to the "baby boomers" who are looking for a home that they can continue to live in independently even if health and mobility issues arise in the future.
The Universal home is a valuable
asset to any client.
What Does Universal Design Entail?
- Equitable Use
- Safety, privacy and security is equally available and appealing for all users.
- Flexibility
- The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
- Simple & Intuitive Usage
- The home product is easy to understand regardless of expertise, knowledge, and concentration level.
- Perceptible Information
- The design communications necessary information for usage.
- Tolerance for Error
- Hazards and user mistakes are minimized through quality-design.
- Low Physical Effort
- Provides for efficient and comfortable usage with minimal fatigue.
- Appropriate Floor-Plan Layout
- A suitable amount of size and space is provided for approach, use and manipulation, regardless of users size and ability.
Accessible remodeling focuses on individuals with disabilities and addresses the related needs in designing a barrier-free home. Universal design accomplishes this and more by focusing on the goal to design a home that accommodates EVERYONE.
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