Universal Design Incorporating Architectural Linear Drains

Designing buildings and spaces for all people, with or without disabilities
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Sponsored by Infinity Drain
By Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP
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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.

 

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Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in June 2023

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