Love this conversation (even if it looks like a rather old thread). Also, I love the idea to call Universal Design "Social Sustainability Design". While one can argue that we can, with good design, create welcoming homes that have everything, for everybody, but honestly, there are design dilemmas that cannot treat everyone equally. We can try, and come close, but you really cannot. I think, however, that Universal is more about thinking WHEN designing, for all, not just for the occupants of the moment.
Anyway, I just wanted to add my two cents in here. Also, to add that in designing for aging is up to us, ultimately, to change younger people's mindset (and by that anyone who is younger than the occupants.)
Meaning, no one wants to redo a house to have grab bars that look like granny lives there (Thus the nickname: Granny bars), or stair chairs, to make it look old, and the thinking continues, the property value goes down. Never understood this theory but I understand where it comes from. Those grab bars in the <g class="gr_ gr_1161 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Grammar multiReplace" id="1161" data-gr-id="1161">80's</g> were institutional and UGLY! I now even #hotgrabbars when I see good looking grab bar designs. Not too often, but it does happen.
All great points!
Thanks for listening!
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Janet Roche, MDS, CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist)
Janet Roche Designs, LLC
Real Design Solutions for the Human Condition
www.plansbyjanet.com617-755-7237
Allied ASID, Affiliate EDAC
*** Come see me speak at MAD*POW's HXD in Boston on April 2-3, 2019 and at NEOCON, Chicago, June 12, 2019, both on Aging and the Environment ****
Adjunct Instructor at The Boston Architectural College
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-24-2016 19:21
From: Charles Graham
Subject: Blueprints for Senior Living - Request for Articles on Universal Design
Older houses are great examples of literally cradle to grave design. Such houses had no shortage of appropriately designed openings and rooms designed for nurseries, as well as the last sleeping room. The front doors are even wide enough to allow a coffin with pall bearers to exit. Some of them do have stairs, but that was in a day with precious few wheelchairs, but plenty of family members to assist.
Regards,
Chuck Graham
Original Message------
In response to Charles Graham's posting, I agree that "Universal Design" isn't quite "Universal". Perhaps "Socially Sustainable Design" is a better term. I've heard that used a lot as well. There is no way that Universal Design can account for 100% of the population's needs, but it can certainly raise the level of accommodation from say 75% of the population to 95-99% of the population. That would be a tremendous help regardless of the term/name.
Regarding the short supply of good examples of house design, I highly recommend that architects and builders (who 'get' the intent and sprit of Universal Design or Socially Sustainable Design) lead by example. We should promote our projects that combine good functionality, accessibility and aesthetics. I believe that there is a growing appetite out there in the media and among consumers for better examples of housing. Let's start providing better options and get as much press exposure as possible for them. If we show how to do it, other people will start to get it and do it too.