Universal Design Incorporating Architectural Linear Drains
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.
Fitness Project Example
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Peloton Flagship Studio
Architect: Bernheimer Architecture
Location: New York City
Application: Locker Room Showers
About the Project: Peloton’s 35,000-square-foot flagship location, called Peloton Studios, at Brookfield’s Manhattan West development is a beacon of fitness programming unlike anything created in the industry to date. Located in New York City’s trendy Chelsea District, the Peloton Spinning Studio features a spa-quality ambience, refreshment lounge, and a sports fashion retail shop, indicative of the multiple needs and interests of the variety of people who frequent the facility. As part of the design of this building, linear drains were incorporated into the luxurious locker room showers. This design allowed for accessibility through Universal Design and helped create an elegant, sophisticated look consistent with New York City style.
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.
Healthcare Project Example
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The Valley Hospital
Architect: HDR Architects
Location: Paramus, New Jersey
Application: Patient Room Showers
About the Project: HDR Architects is working with the Valley Hospital to construct a state-of-the-art, 372-bed hospital in Paramus, N.J. Among the design goals, enriching the patient restrooms to provide barrier-free comfort with an elevated environment was high on the list. Toward that end, an architectural linear drain was specified and worked into the overall design. To meet the varied needs of the project, a drain system that allowed for adjustable sizing design was selected for flexibility in installation and placement.
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.
Senior Living Project Example
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Inspir Carnegie Hill by Maplewood Senior Living
Architect: Handel Architects
Location: New York City
Application: Pool, Indoor Garden (Courtyard), Resident Room Showers
About the Project: Maplewood takes Senior Living to new heights with their Inspir Carnegie Hill property on New York City’s Upper East Side designed by Handel Architects. Customized linear drains were provided for 215 shower units using a modern ADA compliant tile insert style of linear drain. This design also allows for advanced cleanability within a wet room concept. Beyond the individual rooms, customized drainage solutions for the indoor pool and outdoor tranquility garden deliver a solution that meets multiple needs. The linear drains here provide safe, slip-resistant accessibility for residents and staff.
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.
Corporate Project Example
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KPMG Learning Center
Architect: Gensler
Location: Orlando, Florida
Application: Guest Room Showers
About the Project: KPMG Lakehouse, designed by Gensler, is a high-tech training and education facility on a 55-acre property that includes 800 rooms, which closely resemble hotel rooms. DPR Construction utilized prefabricated bathroom pods for all 800 bathrooms. These bathroom pods included customized stainless steel shower bases with solid grate style linear drains. This all-in-one solution saved time and labor with a lifetime waterproofing guarantee that fit the client’s design and pre-fabrication needs.
According to Greg King, Assistant General Manager of the fabricator, “During construction, bathrooms generate 80% of punch list and coordination challenges in a guestroom. By prefabricating the bathrooms completely offsite, we can save significant time on-site (as much as 2-4 months of schedule acceleration) and help ensure both quality & cost by providing our clients with a turnkey bathroom solution.” He also points out “The foundation of our business is built on efficiencies. Traditional foam-based shower pans create numerous elements and steps to our build process and an all-in-one solution is a great fit that saves us time and labor.”
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