Architecture/Interior
Why should universal design matter to you, as a designer?
Universal design is incorporated in the space around us through architecture and interior design. Universal design will benefit interior designers and architects as it broadens your design to a larger public. It is a process that intends to be used by the widest range of users possible to ensure their experience is as accessible as possible.
In architecture, universal design is to create spaces that meet the needs for everyone. It can be applied to a built environment such as public and private places.
In interior and architectural design, universal design is integrated providing ease of moving around and getting from one destination to another without frustration and worries regardless of any physical and mental differences. Design works through proposed physical environments, and they work to enhance certain situations such as the Wayfinding. A method and decision that are being thought of and used to get from location to another.
Design Parameters
What are some methods to
make environments accessible
to all users?
Your house may have beautiful spiral staircases and kitchen countertops, but can it accommodate accessibility for everyone? Can children, seniors and people with disability use them with ease?
These guidelines of universal design in architecture and environmental design can help incorporate everyone in the household and in public places.
Entryways in and into a space must be clearly accessible. Spacing in entryways and hallways are very important to allow various user accesses. To accommodate maneuver for wheelchairs, a hallway with a minimum of 46 inches and entryways with a minimum of 36 inches is necessary. Step-free entrances are also an important factor to consider accommodating people that have difficulties on stairs.
Another essential parameter to consider is the strengths of each individual. Not everyone has the ability to get up with ease. Grab bars and handles can assist the users movement through various areas like restrooms and stairs.
Height is also a major component to access to counters and shelving. This can be accomplished when counter with various heights that accommodate different users and usages are included. Same considerations are to be considered for shelving to allow items to be reached by a person on a wheel chair.