The discussion of accessible design has moved beyond just meeting code and ADA requirements and into a broader sense of designing buildings that are inclusive for all people across all ages and ability levels without the need for substantial building modifications. This concept, referred to as Universal Design, has caught on in many situations to make life easier, healthier, and friendlier for all people. One component of Universal Design is to incorporate building features that accomplish the functional goals but blend in aesthetically so as not to be seen as distinct or separate items just for people with disabilities. In this course, these principles of Universal Design will be explored in general and by looking at specific different building types where they can be readily applied. In particular, architectural linear, or decorative drainage solutions are reviewed as examples of a needed building component that can be readily incorporated to address all these situations.
Photo courtesy of Infinity Drain
People of all ability levels need to access and use buildings. Universal Design strives at the broadest level, to address designing for diversity and equity.
PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN
The commonly accepted definition of Universal Design is "a process that enables and empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation" (Steinfeld and Maisel, 2012). In the context of building design, it means that all aspects of a building are universally usable by all people.
The concept of Universal Design has been developed over the past several decades by many different design and research groups. According to the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG) from the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) “The 'Principles of Universal Design' were developed by a team of U.S. experts organized by the Center on Universal Design at North Carolina State University in the 1990's. Accompanied by a set of guidelines for each Principle, they were a valuable tool for clarifying Universal Design for early adopters.” The seven Principles that were developed are:
- Equitable Use for all people of all ability levels
- Flexibility in Use of features and spaces
- Simple and Intuitive design
- Perceptible Information
- Tolerance for Error by the building users
- Low Physical Effort for any feature
- Size and Space for Approach and Use is adequate and functional.
Universal Design, based on meeting the principles above, has been contrasted with Accessible Design, which addresses specific accessibility requirements in a more prescriptive manner. The fundamental difference is that Universal Design is intended to provide building features that blend in and don’t require extra cost or separate design solutions for able-bodied and disabled people. Some examples of this include:
- Building Access Accessible buildings commonly include an entry with a ramp at the side that is out of the way for visitors who need it but meets code requirements. Universal Design would more commonly incorporate a no-step building entry that everyone can use easily and together, eliminating the need for a separate ramp.
- Space Designs A custom-designed accessible home may be based on an existing floor plan and layout but requires additional costs for redesign and custom construction details in specific spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, entries, etc. A universally designed home should incorporate features usable by all into the normal components of a home without needing to identify separate or extra “accessibility costs.”
- Full Building Design Often, only a portion of a building is considered for full accessibility, such as a hotel that has only the code-required percentage of accessible rooms. By contrast, a hotel that has 100 percent universally designed rooms in a variety of types would be consistent with the principles of Universal Design.
In short, Universal Design makes life easier, healthier, and friendlier for all, with design features that allow everyone to use them. It also reduces any social stigma by putting people with disabilities on an equal playing field with everyone else. For building owners, it reduces the economic burden of separate or special building features to accommodate users with universally addressable needs.
Photo courtesy of Infinity Drain
Providing no-step access between building interiors and balconies or terraces with recessed water drainage is one way that Universal Design can make life easier for everyone, regardless of ability level.
Applying Universal Design
For the most part, incorporating Universal Design into buildings has been the task of the individual design professionals involved in a project. However, in 2018, the “innovative solutions for Universal Design” (isUD) program was launched. This program was developed at the University at Buffalo's Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access, School of Architecture and Planning. A multidisciplinary group of experts has worked together to create more than 500 Universal Design solutions related to commercial buildings. As such, this resource facilitates integrating Universal Design at all stages of a project. (Information available at https://thisisUD.com).
With tools like isUD and others, architects and the broader community of design professionals can address implementation of the Universal Design principles in several settings, including:
- Social Justice: While initially focused on disability rights, Universal Design has been used to focus on many civil rights issues since design for diversity is concerned with social justice for all. Universal Design can therefore be used to support access to housing, education, healthcare, transportation, and other buildings that provide resources to society. Universal Design is particularly appropriate in the context of design for low-income minority groups, which often have higher rates of disability than the general population.
- Workplace: Universal Design is becoming more critical in workplace environments for a variety of reasons. First, a low level of unemployment often means that older workers and those with disabilities are more prevalent in more workplaces and can be direct beneficiaries of Universal Design.
That can make them more productive, improve morale, and help address general safety needs. Second, the general population and workplaces overall are becoming more diverse and inclusive. Providing Universal Design in a workplace environment can help employers attract and keep a broad and diverse workforce. Finally, Universal Design incorporated into the workplace can help increase participation in the workforce of people with disabilities. For employers, that can help to ensure that fewer accommodations will be needed when an employee does have a disability.
- Public Facilities: Any building or system that is open to the public, such as stores, restaurants, amusement parks, parks, recreation facilities, street rights-of-way, and transportation systems can all achieve greater inclusivity of use through Universal Design. Not only does it benefit those who need some accommodation, it provides the community with a greater diversity of people who are engaged in civic affairs, employment, recreation, education, and community mobility.
While all these applications and concepts are appealing, proponents of Universal Design recognize that products and environments can never be fully usable by every person everywhere. Nonetheless, building design, operational services, management practices, and policies can all benefit from a Universal Design approach. Therefore, Universal Design should be considered an ongoing process rather than simply a final building design. To achieve improved usability, health, and social participation, attention to more than just the built environment will always be needed.
The discussion of accessible design has moved beyond just meeting code and ADA requirements and into a broader sense of designing buildings that are inclusive for all people across all ages and ability levels without the need for substantial building modifications. This concept, referred to as Universal Design, has caught on in many situations to make life easier, healthier, and friendlier for all people. One component of Universal Design is to incorporate building features that accomplish the functional goals but blend in aesthetically so as not to be seen as distinct or separate items just for people with disabilities. In this course, these principles of Universal Design will be explored in general and by looking at specific different building types where they can be readily applied. In particular, architectural linear, or decorative drainage solutions are reviewed as examples of a needed building component that can be readily incorporated to address all these situations.
Photo courtesy of Infinity Drain
People of all ability levels need to access and use buildings. Universal Design strives at the broadest level, to address designing for diversity and equity.
PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN
The commonly accepted definition of Universal Design is "a process that enables and empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation" (Steinfeld and Maisel, 2012). In the context of building design, it means that all aspects of a building are universally usable by all people.
The concept of Universal Design has been developed over the past several decades by many different design and research groups. According to the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG) from the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) “The 'Principles of Universal Design' were developed by a team of U.S. experts organized by the Center on Universal Design at North Carolina State University in the 1990's. Accompanied by a set of guidelines for each Principle, they were a valuable tool for clarifying Universal Design for early adopters.” The seven Principles that were developed are:
- Equitable Use for all people of all ability levels
- Flexibility in Use of features and spaces
- Simple and Intuitive design
- Perceptible Information
- Tolerance for Error by the building users
- Low Physical Effort for any feature
- Size and Space for Approach and Use is adequate and functional.
Universal Design, based on meeting the principles above, has been contrasted with Accessible Design, which addresses specific accessibility requirements in a more prescriptive manner. The fundamental difference is that Universal Design is intended to provide building features that blend in and don’t require extra cost or separate design solutions for able-bodied and disabled people. Some examples of this include:
- Building Access Accessible buildings commonly include an entry with a ramp at the side that is out of the way for visitors who need it but meets code requirements. Universal Design would more commonly incorporate a no-step building entry that everyone can use easily and together, eliminating the need for a separate ramp.
- Space Designs A custom-designed accessible home may be based on an existing floor plan and layout but requires additional costs for redesign and custom construction details in specific spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, entries, etc. A universally designed home should incorporate features usable by all into the normal components of a home without needing to identify separate or extra “accessibility costs.”
- Full Building Design Often, only a portion of a building is considered for full accessibility, such as a hotel that has only the code-required percentage of accessible rooms. By contrast, a hotel that has 100 percent universally designed rooms in a variety of types would be consistent with the principles of Universal Design.
In short, Universal Design makes life easier, healthier, and friendlier for all, with design features that allow everyone to use them. It also reduces any social stigma by putting people with disabilities on an equal playing field with everyone else. For building owners, it reduces the economic burden of separate or special building features to accommodate users with universally addressable needs.
Photo courtesy of Infinity Drain
Providing no-step access between building interiors and balconies or terraces with recessed water drainage is one way that Universal Design can make life easier for everyone, regardless of ability level.
Applying Universal Design
For the most part, incorporating Universal Design into buildings has been the task of the individual design professionals involved in a project. However, in 2018, the “innovative solutions for Universal Design” (isUD) program was launched. This program was developed at the University at Buffalo's Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access, School of Architecture and Planning. A multidisciplinary group of experts has worked together to create more than 500 Universal Design solutions related to commercial buildings. As such, this resource facilitates integrating Universal Design at all stages of a project. (Information available at https://thisisUD.com).
With tools like isUD and others, architects and the broader community of design professionals can address implementation of the Universal Design principles in several settings, including:
- Social Justice: While initially focused on disability rights, Universal Design has been used to focus on many civil rights issues since design for diversity is concerned with social justice for all. Universal Design can therefore be used to support access to housing, education, healthcare, transportation, and other buildings that provide resources to society. Universal Design is particularly appropriate in the context of design for low-income minority groups, which often have higher rates of disability than the general population.
- Workplace: Universal Design is becoming more critical in workplace environments for a variety of reasons. First, a low level of unemployment often means that older workers and those with disabilities are more prevalent in more workplaces and can be direct beneficiaries of Universal Design.
That can make them more productive, improve morale, and help address general safety needs. Second, the general population and workplaces overall are becoming more diverse and inclusive. Providing Universal Design in a workplace environment can help employers attract and keep a broad and diverse workforce. Finally, Universal Design incorporated into the workplace can help increase participation in the workforce of people with disabilities. For employers, that can help to ensure that fewer accommodations will be needed when an employee does have a disability.
- Public Facilities: Any building or system that is open to the public, such as stores, restaurants, amusement parks, parks, recreation facilities, street rights-of-way, and transportation systems can all achieve greater inclusivity of use through Universal Design. Not only does it benefit those who need some accommodation, it provides the community with a greater diversity of people who are engaged in civic affairs, employment, recreation, education, and community mobility.
While all these applications and concepts are appealing, proponents of Universal Design recognize that products and environments can never be fully usable by every person everywhere. Nonetheless, building design, operational services, management practices, and policies can all benefit from a Universal Design approach. Therefore, Universal Design should be considered an ongoing process rather than simply a final building design. To achieve improved usability, health, and social participation, attention to more than just the built environment will always be needed.
UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
As seen in the preceding sections, Universal Design is applicable to virtually all areas in a building where people move, work, or function. Rather than try to address all the possible scenarios or situations, in this course, we will focus on one aspect as an example of Universal Design thinking that can be replicated and applied to other areas. Specifically, we turn our attention now to a common feature in most buildings that require design coordination between architects and plumbing engineers, namely, in-floor drainage systems. Such systems are necessary to provide long-term removal of water from places like restrooms, balconies, terraces, or any other walking surfaces that are exposed to rainwater or the potential for water on the floor from plumbing systems. In these cases, the safety of those walking on the surface is paramount to prevent slip-and-fall accidents or injuries. In terms of Universal Design, the means for creating safe drainage must not impede the ability of anyone to walk on or over the drainage system. That suggests that systems need to be recessed into the floor, terrace, balcony, swimming pool area, etc. such that the top of the visible drainage elements are flush with the surrounding surface. This prevents any tripping hazard, but also allows for smooth travel by anyone whether by walking, using a walking aid (i.e., walker, cane, crutches, etc.), or a wheelchair.
There are other specific cases where drainage systems and Universal Design come into play, such as shower stalls, whether as part of a bathroom, locker room, or even an outdoor swimming pool area. In these cases, the same design criteria apply in that everyone should be able to access the shower without it appearing to be different or separate for those with any disabilities —all the shower stalls should be attractive and functional. The use of drainage systems that blend and are essentially flush with the surrounding surfaces will provide easy access while often contributing to the general design concept for the space where the showers are located. It is common to see accessible shower stalls that use linear drains to capture the drainage water while allowing a wheelchair to enter smoothly into the shower area—the floor is simply sloped slightly (commonly ¼-inch rise per 12 inches) to direct the water to the drain and still allow for wheelchair access.
There are also utility areas in buildings where water drainage is needed to meet practical or code concerns, such as mechanical equipment rooms or elevator rooms which have some newly issued code requirements for drainage. While it is easy to think of these as places only for equipment, the reality is that people need to access them for operations, maintenance, and other ongoing needs. While such places aren’t usually required to be addressed for wheelchair accessibility, they can still benefit from Universal Design principles by making them easy to access without any safety hazards for the people who do work there. That means appropriate attention to the design of the floor drainage systems can alleviate safety hazards, make the system easier to maintain, and provide effective water drainage.
Overall, applying Universal Design principles to floor drainage means that the portion of the system that is visible should be able to blend in to be flush and match the surrounding design. That is not only good for easy passage but is also often what most designers prefer. Keep in mind though, that what is seen above the floor can be part of a wanted design, but what is really needed is the part below the floor. That’s where some basic plumbing engineering and proper product selection come into play to be sure that the appropriate capacity and details for drainage are addressed so the whole system performs as intended. Ultimately, a floor drain system ties into the larger building plumbing waste line system and needs to be coordinated accordingly.
There are, of course, some performance aspects of the visible portion of the drains as well. These include the ability of a grate or cover to meet barrier-free accessibility requirements for the surface and minimization of height (i.e., less than ½ inch above surrounding floor). But such surfaces also need to be safe for walking people too, such that any openings don’t allow for walking canes or high heels to get caught or stuck causing a fall. The surface needs to be readily maintained and cleaned for purposes of proper functioning and hygiene. Systems that are integrated minimize the use of grout and have durable, easy-to-clean exposed surfaces will be best in most cases.
Drainage Types
Not all drainage solutions are the same. Some require very standard components and others are better served by specialty items. Generically, there are three types of drains, discussed as follows.
- Center Drains These are probably what most people think of when considering the use of a floor drain. In this case, a floor area, whether for a room, a shower, or an outdoor surface, is gently sloped from each side to a low point in the center. The drain catchment, commonly square or round, is connected to a suitably sized drainpipe that carries the collected water away from the area to its appropriate next destination (i.e., sewer, storm drain, retention pond, etc.). The catchment mechanism is typically covered with a grate or grille of some type that allows water to enter but keeps out other things such as debris. The cover also provides the needed safety protection for people such that their foot lands on a smooth, flat surface instead of dropping into the open area of the catchment. The shape of a center drain is commonly square or round and available in standard sizes to suit different common conditions.
- Architectural Linear Drains A different, and often more elegant, approach for designing a floor drain is to simply slope the surface all to one side. Then, along the length of the low end of the surface, a linear floor drain is installed in a recessed manner to drain away the water. In this case, the drain catchment area (also called a channel assembly) is long and rectangular with either a vertical or horizontal drain outlet. That drain outlet can be connected in an appropriate manner to suitable drain piping that is located within the floor assembly or outdoor surface system. The drain channel assembly is covered with a long, rectangular grille or grate that functions the same way the center drain cover does, allowing water to enter while keeping out debris and providing a safe surface for people to walk on.
- Custom Drain Solutions In some cases, neither center drains nor purely linear drains are the right architectural solution for a project condition. For those situations, it is good to be aware that custom drains are indeed possible. They can take the form of curved or circular drains around a similarly shaped surface where water needs to be captured and redirected. Or they can be rectilinear by marrying several linear drains together to suit the geometry of a space. There are many different options and configurations possible, but as with any custom solution, it is best to check with a manufacturer during project design to determine fabrication parameters and tolerances that are possible and factors that influence cost management. For example, a custom drain can address unique performance requirements, such as the percent of open or free area of the top grate or a larger outlet diameter that may be required in geographic areas that receive higher levels of precipitation. Custom drain grates can also be designed to address certain load requirements that may be in place for outdoor drains such as heavy cleaning or maintenance equipment around a pool.
Photo courtesy of Infinity Drain
Center drains are based on sloping the surrounding floor or other surface to a central point that receives water into a catchment with a protective cover.
Photo courtesy of Infinity Drain
Architectural linear drains provide an elegant drainage solution based on sloping the floor surface to one side and removing water along the low end.
Photo courtesy of Infinity Drain
Custom drain solutions can take many forms and shapes subject to review with a manufacturer.
Drain Covers
Regardless of the type of drain selected, the visible part of the architectural drainage system is the cover. This is the component that will play prominently in the ability to meet Universal Design needs. Typically, these are metal grates most often fabricated from different types of stainless steel. The thickness of the steel can vary from 18 gauge down to 7 gauge to suit different project weight-bearing conditions. The final appearance can vary based on the selection of the pattern of openings, which include linear grille (wedge wire), perforated holes, and others, and the final color of the finished metal—there are numerous options for both. In this way, the drain grate can either blend into the floor surface to be less noticeable or be used to create a contrasting line that works toward a purpose in the overall design.
If the desire is to have the cover blend into the surrounding surface and visually disappear, then there are also options to have a linear opening on either side of a central section that is designed to receive finishing material or tile that matches the surroundings. In this way, the linear drain takes on the same appearance as the surrounding floor or outdoor surface. If complete obscurity is sought, then there is also the option of using a recessed reveal slot drain such that the flooring extends over the flange of the channel and allows the water to enter the channel via a 3/8-inch reveal in the surface of the floor. A small removable clean-out panel allows the channel and drain line to be accessed in this case. Because of these different approaches, it is easy to see why architectural drains offer an elegant and coordinated look for architects and designers to create well-designed, elegant spaces without the visual interruption of the grates or covers.
With a better understanding of drainage systems and their relationship to Universal Design, we turn our attention next to specific building types with examples of projects that incorporate the principles discussed and some design solutions that have been implemented.
HOSPITALITY BUILDINGS
Hotels, motels, inns, restaurants, and similar facilities all need to welcome as many different people as possible. The owners of such buildings are often quite concerned that their establishment feels friendly, approachable, and, most importantly, inviting. They build their business on attracting people to come in and use their facilities.
Universal Design comes into play right away in these cases with the design of paths of travel for pedestrians and vehicles often acting as the first impression someone receives of a place. Broad, open spaces that allow for ease of movement, regardless of ability level, are clearly more appealing than tight, cramped, or separated areas for able-bodied and disabled people. These areas are commonly paved, meaning that drainage is needed to divert water away and maintain a safe condition. Recessed, architectural linear drains or custom-designed drains are commonly used in these cases to meet that need. By selecting and designing appropriately, they also meet Universal Design needs. Similar outdoor spaces such as terraces, pool areas, and balconies in hospitality buildings can be treated the same way.
Hospitality buildings also have plenty of indoor spaces where water is present, such as bathrooms, kitchens, etc., all of which likely need attention to proper drainage. Making guest rooms fully accessible using Universal Design principles often means paying attention to the bathroom designs. Toward that end, the use of European-styled open showers that have partial enclosures but allow for easy access or even “roll-in” capabilities is not uncommon. In those cases, the design may use architectural linear drains or center drains that meet all the design criteria.
MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS
People who live in multifamily buildings can be of all ages and ability levels. Similarly, family members or other guests and visitors have differing accessibility needs and requirements. As older Americans enter retirement years, many of them prefer to age where they currently live. The mantra of “aging in place” has been used to look at the design needs of this part of the population. Many have observed that there are numerous social and financial benefits to this approach, in addition to the broader goals of life satisfaction, health, and self-esteem.
Of course, for people to remain in their own homes while aging, housing design (whether single-family or multifamily) needs to accommodate a broader range of health conditions than traditional design typically provides. Universal Design can come directly into play here in multiple ways. For example, things like no-step entries at the building entrance, patios, balconies, etc., are not just good for people in wheelchairs or with walkers—they are safer and easier for everyone to use. Bathrooms with accessibility features such as roll-in showers or recessed drains can be elegant design solutions that are easily used by all. Designs with a sleeping space on an accessible level, good lighting, efficient space planning, and similar features can reduce effort and accommodate short-term and chronic disabilities.
SPORTS FACILITIES
Buildings that accommodate sporting events and activities have two distinct sets of users. First are the athletes who generally focus their time in the locker room areas and the sport floor or area. Their paths of travel, restrooms, and other building spaces and features are usually separated from the general public, which is the second distinct set of users. In this group, entries, paths of travel, restrooms, common spaces, and concessions/ sales areas all need to accommodate people of all ages and abilities.
Universal Design is significant for both groups of users. While it is easy to think of athletes as the most able-bodied of all people, it is important to recognize the many specialty athletes such as those who play wheelchair basketball, are part of the Special Olympics, or teams comprised of injured veteran athletes, can best be accommodated through Universal Design. For the public, fully integrated design features that are genuinely inclusive can help bring more fans and spectators into these facilities. This design approach can also foster a greater level of enjoyment when people of limited mobility don’t feel isolated or separated from everyone else. Overall, everyone should feel welcome and able to navigate in a public sports facility.
FITNESS FACILITIES
Fitness clubs, gyms, or community centers provide their members, or the public with an opportunity for exercise and socialization. Therefore, they have been very popular with people of all age groups and abilities for quite some time. Like sports venues, they desire to be available and accessible to a wide variety of people who may have different interests in using the facilities. In addition to those able-bodied people who might be focused on general exercise or specific training routines, it is worth noting that some users may be rehabilitating from injuries or health conditions. Such people are there because they require some specific exercise routines or even physical therapy. In those cases, the facility provides the means to help them move from a temporary disability to their prior full function. Universal Design can be applied in these circumstances to make all facilities available to this broad range of users.
HEALTHCARE PROJECTS
Healthcare facilities may see the most diverse set of users, as they operate to serve people with all types of ailments and limitations. Nonetheless, the healthcare professionals, support staff, and visitors often have very different needs when it comes to mobility and accessibility. While patients may need wheelchairs, elevators, and fully accessible rooms, staff and visitors may welcome the ability to use the stairs for exercise and a way to avoid interfering with patient activities. Incorporating these differing needs into the same general design and paths of travel is a perfect application of Universal Design. The idea, here, is not to focus on limitations or compromised abilities of patients, but to make it easy for patients and everyone else to use the same building spaces together. This design approach brings a sense of inclusivity for everyone there without creating an undue focus or stigma on those who are suffering from limitations.
SENIOR LIVING PROJECTS
Buildings designed for a specific population of senior citizens with long-term living units bring some particular design needs. While some residents may be somewhat impaired related to mobility, sight, or hearing, many others remain quite capable and agile in those regards. There is also a common desire to make such facilities welcoming and vibrant, with a focus on enjoying life, rather than being constantly reminded of limitations. In that regard, Universal Design is ideal in providing spaces and features that are accommodating to all without creating an institutional look that can be perceived as restrictive. This is true not only within the living units, but in public areas or areas that encourage group activity or exercise.
CORPORATE PROJECTS
As employers, corporations need to address the needs of their employees, whether they have disabilities or not. This is true in corporate office buildings as well as any other building or facility that a corporation might own or operate. The ADA, in particular, requires that no employee is discriminated against because of a disability. That means employers need to make reasonable accommodations for those who require it. By incorporating Universal Design into corporate buildings, all people can be accommodated from the outset regardless of ability levels.
EDUCATION PROJECTS
Educational programs at all levels (elementary, secondary, post-secondary) serve students, staff, and faculty in a wide variety of buildings covering numerous different educational activities. Within that setting, there is often the need to provide services or programs to students with a diversity of physical and cognitive capabilities. There is also a particular concern, in many cases, of not ostracizing or creating a stigma for anyone who has such special needs. Hence, inclusiveness and support of all students takes on a particular need. In this situation, Universal Design can be used to directly help enhance accessibility and inclusiveness for all students. It can do the same for any staff or faculty who have other needs, too.
GOVERNMENT PROJECTS
Buildings owned by federal, state, or local governments often require adherence to different standards than are used in the private sector. The General Services Administration (GSA), for example, which has broad oversight of the design, construction, and operation of many federal buildings, has a current standard titled the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard (ABAAS). According to their website: “ABAAS was made effective May 9, 2006, for new construction and alterations, June 30, 2006, for lease-construction facilities, and February 7, 2007, for all other leased facilities. ABAAS replaces the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS), which was GSA's previous standard for accessibility.”
Many government facilities have adopted at least the intent of the GSA standards, if not the same criteria. “It is GSA's policy to make all federal buildings accessible without the use of special facilities for persons with disabilities. The intent of this policy is to use standard building products set at prescribed heights and with prescribed maneuvering clearances to allow easy use by employees and visitors with disabilities.” This intent echoes the philosophy and purpose of Universal Design in that buildings should be accessible to all people without needing to construct extra or separate facilities for compliance.
Transportation Projects
By definition, transportation facilities are intended to move people through them. In many cases, those people are carrying bags or wheeling luggage with them. In other cases, people who are not able to walk long distances will need wheeled transport to get through the facility and onto the mode of transportation being provided. A well-designed transportation facility is one that recognizes these particular needs and makes it very easy for all people to pass through them. Those that incorporate the principles of Universal Design in all areas can help make the facility feel welcoming, efficient, and inclusive for all users. This would include the entries, the paths of travel within the facility, and the support spaces such as restrooms, customer service desks, etc.
CONCLUSION
Universal Design has broad appeal and applicability in many different settings and building types. Specifying architectural linear drains is one significant example of providing appealing, well-performing solutions that are consistent with the principles of Universal Design. By using these principles and examples, buildings can be designed that are inclusive for people of all ability levels without sacrificing design intent and often without the need for special accommodations or features.
Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP is a nationally known architect and a prolific author advancing positive acoustical experiences through better building design. www.pjaarch.com, www.linkedin.com/in/pjaarch
