1. The Universal Need for Housing
Chapter 1, Part 2

2. Objectives
Compare and contrast housing needs among people of different ages and life stages.
Assess the importance of building homes that follow the concept of universal design.

3. Housing and Individual Needs
People’s housing needs are influenced by their:
stage of life
their family situation and
their personal or special needs.

4. Life Cycles Activity

5. Beginning Stage
Early years of marriage for a couple.

6. Parenting Stage
Focus on raising children, home and family life.

7. Launching Stage
Grown children leaving the family home.

8. Aging Stage
“Middle age” - grandparents

9. Retirement Stage
This stage often means changes in housing.

10. Special Housing Needs
Housing that is suited for the health related needs of people.
Nursing Homes
Care Facilities
Assisted Facilities

11. Special Housing Needs
Technological innovations are helping to assist people with disabilities.
1. hearing impairment – smoke detector with lights
2. visual impairment – microwave with Braille control panel
3. physical disabilities – wheelchair rolls under sink
4. mental disabilities – group homes

12. Universal Design
Universal Design – designing interiors and products to accommodate all people with a variety of requirements, needs and abilities. pg. 31 and 32
Sizes
Ages
Abilities

13. Barrier Free Design
Barrier Free Design – living spaces are designed without structures that would prevent access by people with special needs.

14. Adaptable Design Features
Adaptable Design Features – design features that are temporary and can be easily changed.
Wheelchair ramp
Cabinets that can be removed

15. Universal Design
What are the positive aspects of universal design being available in every new home?
What are the negative aspects of universal design being available in every new home?

16. Worksheet: Ergonomic Aspects of Home Design
Read through this worksheet individually.
Complete the questions with the people at your table.

17. Checking Your Understanding
Make sure all vocabulary words are in your notebooks!

18. 1. How would you define housing?
Any structure built for people to live in.

19. 2. What caused people in ancient times to change from portable to permanent shelters?
People built permanent shelters when they began farming and keeping herd animals and no longer had to keep moving to find food.

20. 3. Give two examples of how housing changed during the Renaissance.
Housing became more comfortable, brighter, more sanitary, better ventilated and more important for relaxation, entertainment and privacy.

21. 4. How does housing help meet people’s needs?
It protects them from the weather and provides a place to eat, sleep and be safe.

22. 5. Identify three psychological needs that housing can satisfy.
Love and belonging; fun and relaxation; comfort; need to express oneself.

23. 6. How can housing encourage interaction with others?
By providing space where families can gather and where friends can be invited.

24. 7. Explain how housing can reflect personal identity.
It provides opportunities to add individual touches that express personality.

25. 8. Why do housing needs tend to vary during the course of the family life cycle?
Because family size and the ages of family members change.

26. 9. What challenges do housing designers face in making homes that meet universal design standards?
Housing designers must create housing that can be used by people of varying ages and physical conditions and by people in different stages of their life span.

27. 10. What is the goal of barrier-free design?
To design spaces without structure that would prevent access by people with special needs.