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.