1. Universal Design
“. . . when we design something that can be used by those with disabilities, we often make it better for everyone.
Civil Engineering and Architecture
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2. Universal Design
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
Demographics
Older adults and people with disabilities were a small minority in the early 1900s
Today
40 million Americans are over age 65
4 million Americans are over age 85
More people living with disability (in 1994)
53.9 million Americans had disability
26.0 million Americans had severe disability
The trend toward an older and more disabled population continues
The demographics of the American population (and that of the world) is changing. In the early 1900s, the average human lifespan was 47 years. Most people with chronic conditions or major disabilities lived in nursing institutions.
Today people are living longer and often live relatively normal lives despite illness or disability.
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3. Federal Legislation The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA)
Universal Design
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
Federal Legislation
The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA)
Required all facilities receiving federal funding to be accessible to people with disabilities
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)
Made it illegal to discriminate on the basis of disability
Applied to federal agencies, public universities, federal contractors, and other activities receiving federal funds
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (FHAA)
Required multifamily projects with four or more dwelling units to be accessible per the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines
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4. Federal Legislation Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
Universal Design
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
Federal Legislation
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
Requires barrier-free access to state and local government projects, commercial facilities, and public accommodations
Physical barriers that impede access must be removed
ADA Standards for Accessible Design are enforceable
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5. Universal Design
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
Universal Design
"Universal design is 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.” Center for Universal Design
The intent of Universal Design is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communication, and the build environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal design benefits people of all ages (The Center for Universal Design at
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6. Universal Design
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
Universal Design
Broad spectrum design that helps everyone, not just people with disabilities
Requires sensitivity and knowledge about individuals of all ages and abilities
Recognizes the importance of all-inclusive solutions
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7. Principles of Universal Design
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
Principles of Universal Design
Equitable Use
The design is useful and marketable to individuals with diverse abilities (not just the disabled)
Flexibility of Use
The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities
Simple and Intuitive Use
Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level
The Center for Universal Design at NC State University first developed the concept of universal design.
Provide students with a copy of The Principles of Universal Design Poster – NC State University Center for Universal Design, College of Design. After each principle is presented, direct students to consider the examples of the principle on the poster and suggest other examples of the principle.
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8. Principles of Universal Design
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
Principles of Universal Design
Perceptible Information
The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities
Tolerance for Error
The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or intended actions
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9. Principles of Universal Design
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
Principles of Universal Design
Low Physical Effort
The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue
Size and Space for Approach and Use
Appropriate size and space is provided regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility
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10. Universal Design Home Features
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
Universal Design Home Features
Room layout that allows wheelchair access and space to enter and close door
Wide interior doorways (36 inches) and passages (42 inches)
Switches and controls located at accessible heights (44 – 48 inches)
Phone jacks and electrical outlets at accessible heights (min. 18 inches)
Easy to use appliances:
front load washer and dryer
cook tops with front controls
Universal homes look like typical homes but are easier to use, safer, and more convenient. When universal features are incorporated during design, little cost is added to the project.
Most universal features can be incorporated using standard construction methods, carefully selected products, and more open spaces. Simply locating components differently can create a more adaptable environment (e.g., locating light switches and phone jacks at heights that are convenient to more individuals).
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2010

11. Universal Design Home Features
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
Universal Design Home Features
Accessible entrance
No-steps entrance
Porch or overhang for protection from weather
Accessible path from street, sidewalk, and/or drive
Some universal design features require a modified construction approach.
The photo on the left shows a home entrance that incorporates a step – a barrier to wheelchairs and the elderly.
The image on the right pictures a house that has a ramp to allow easy access by all.
Unconventional construction techniques, such as earth berms and bridges, can be used to provide an entrance without steps.
Istockphoto.com®
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12. Universal Design Home Features
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
Universal Design Home Features
Wall reinforcing for grab bars in bathrooms – for future needs
Adaptable cabinets
Provide open space beneath sinks
Provide open space below counter
for workspace in kitchen
Accessible bathroom layout
Some universal design features require a modified construction approach.
This photo shows a home entrance that incorporates a step – a barrier to wheelchairs and the elderly. Unconventional construction techniques, such as earth berms and bridges, can be used to provide an entrance without steps.
Reinforcing the walls in bathrooms with blocking and plywood or OSB sheets will allow secure attachment of grab bars at multiple locations.
The ability for people using wheelchairs to pull up underneath sinks is important. Knee space under sinks and under countertop work areas in the kitchen can be provided by omitting lower cabinets, providing removable cabinets, or installing retractable cabinet doors.
Istockphoto.com®
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2010

13. Universal Design
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit 2 – Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
Sources
The Center for Universal Design. (1997). The principles of universal design (Version 2.0). Raleigh, NC: North Carolina State University.
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