Designers, developers, and homeowners are finding benefits to "universal design" -- a principle that seeks to make homes and buildings accessible to people of all physical abilities.
"Many new homes, especially those designed for older people, have at least a few of the most common universal design features. The single-level ranches in active adult developments obviously don't have stairs. Other universal elements include stepless entries, big bathrooms and hallways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair."
"But it's not just designers pushing the trend. Homeowners realize the benefits of universal design because it just makes a lot of sense."
"Dick Wellek, and his wife, Susan, built a big two-story house -- with all the essential living areas on on the first floor. The master suite includes his and her bathrooms. His has high countertops, so Wellek doesn't have to bend down."
"Hallways and doorways are wide, making it easy to maneuver. The stairs in the garage, which lead to the house, were built to accommodate a lift, if Wellek needs a wheelchair."
"The Wellek's children and grandchildren, who visit often, use the upstairs. The decision to put light switches lower on the wall so Wellek could reach them from a wheelchair also pleases his 2 1/2 -year-old grandson who can now control the lights. 'It's a great house,' said Wellek."
FULL STORY: It's all for one and one for all in universal design
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
Can We Please Give Communities the Design They Deserve?
Often an afterthought, graphic design impacts everything from how we navigate a city to how we feel about it. One designer argues: the people deserve better.
The EV “Charging Divide” Plaguing Rural America
With “the deck stacked” against rural areas, will the great electric American road trip ever be a reality?
Judge Halts Brooklyn Bike Lane Removal
Lawyers must prove the city was not acting “arbitrarily, capriciously, and illegally” in ordering the hasty removal.
Engineers Gave America's Roads an Almost Failing Grade — Why Aren't We Fixing Them?
With over a trillion dollars spent on roads that are still falling apart, advocates propose a new “fix it first” framework.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)