UD Education Allay Fear
April 22nd, 2006Categories: Education & Architecture & Universal Design
I totally agree! Colleges and top university across the nation should incorporate Universal Design into their curriculum. They are training future architects, engineers, urban designers, and city planners and have the responsibility to expose their students to design equitable environments.
Education Can Remove Fear of Universal Design
From left: Rosemarie Rossetti, from Rosemarie Speaks; Mary Jo Peterson, of Mary Jo Peterson, Inc.; Dottie Harper, Brookfield Homes; Derrick Layer, CV Perry Builder
Rosemarie Rossetti inspects slide-out shelves, part of a universally designed kitchen. Photo by Mark Leder.By Dan McLeister
Perhaps it’s lingering memories of visits to their grandmothers in nursing homes decades ago, or of a stay in a hospital more recently. Whatever the cause, some builders fear the concept of universal design. They worry that features designed for physically challenged people will lookâwell, institutional, and that the houses with such designs or products will not sell.
But proponents of the concept say that fear is unfounded. Universal design features, they maintain, do not look institutional and can actually enhance the lifestyle of able-bodied homebuyers. For instance, the zero-step entrance advocated in universal design also prevents able-bodied people from tripping. Levered door handles work for the physically challenged as well as for anyone with carrying several bags of groceries. And wider doorways and halls, required for wheelchair access, also make it easier to move furniture or other items around the house.
That’s the message from speakers at a seminar on Wednesday at the 2006 International Builders Show (”Successful Universal Design: Eliminate the Fear Factor”).
Born out of efforts to improve access for people with disabilities, universal design incorporates concepts that improve function and access for every household member and guest without regard for varying age, size and abilities, according to Mary Jo Peterson, a consultant based in Brookfield, Conn., and one of the seminar speakers.
Boomers break down barriers
Propelled by the needs of the aging baby boomers (the largest single segment in the housing market), universal design is moving closer and closer to mainstream acceptance by the homebuilding industry.“It is amazing how many people have found religion,” Mary Jo said. “There is less fear all the time.”
April 22nd, 2006
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