When I began designing and remodeling spaces for clients, the term Aging in Place was not in existence. There was a definite need to remodel homes which would make it easier for the occupants to remain living there safely and independently but no accurate words to describe it. Modifying a home at that time was referred to as either ADA compliant or handicap accessible.
It got me to thinking…
Universal Design Kitchen ROM Architecture Studio
Is there a word to describe a remodeling concept that includes everyone regardless of age or ability? YES THERE IS! And it is called Universal Design – a design concept used to provide usable spaces for everyone no matter what their age or ability.
There are seven principles or rules that qualify something to be considered Universal Design. Rather than list all the principles, let me give you an example instead. Let’s say your young child or grandchild is at the age where they could quite possibly be the next winner of MasterChef Junior. To prep their recipe, they must kneel on top of a chair to reach the countertop. Not really the safest way for the next Gordon Ramsey or Julia Child to cook now is it? But what if we seamlessly integrated a lower countertop space into the kitchen design? Not only would it be easier for the child to prep a meal but you could also make use of the lower counter to roll out dough for your fabulous pies. And when Auntie visits and can’t quite make it up on those kitchen stools you spent a fortune on, she just pulls up a chair to that lower counter and joins in on all the fun. That’s Universal Design, usable spaces for everyone.
There are even products that use Universal Design principles!
Anyone who has been in an airport bathroom in the last decade has interacted with the no touch sensor faucets or what I call the “Automatic Faucet.” An automatic faucet is equipped with a sensor that opens its valve to allow water to flow in response to the presence of a hand in close proximity. The faucet closes its valve again after a few seconds or when it no longer detects the presence of hands.
The advantages of using this type of faucet in a residential bathroom are many including reducing the spread of germs on faucet handles, wasting of water, and alleviating the need for children to remember to turn off the faucet. It can also benefit those suffering from arthritis or other mobility limiting conditions since there are no handles to twist or pull. Their automatic shutoff mechanism also greatly reduces the risk of sink overflow due to a faucet being left on inadvertently. That’s a product that benefits everyone. That’s Universal Design!
Cool grab bars for the shower!
What other products use Universal Design concepts? How about grab bars? Everyone thinks installing grab bars in a shower is just for keeping the elderly from falling. But grab bars in a shower also help other people with balance issues like a pregnant mother, a teen suffering from a sports injury or a young child being introduced to the shower for the first time. And no slip tile floors helps everyone! Another point for Universal Design.
What changes would you make in your home to make your spaces usable for everyone?
Universal Design, it’s a good thing!
Cheers,
Marcia Wye, CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist)