8 Simple Ways to Incorporate Universal Design
Universal design is often mistaken for catering to an aging demographic, in part because of its focus on accessibility. Features such as grab bars and wider doorways may be common, but the principle of universal design is applicable to buyers of any demographic.
"True universal design is something you don’t notice until you realize the benefits of using it," states Manny Gonzalez, FAIA, Managing Principal at KTGY Architecture + Planning. "It’s about making living easier for anyone of any age and any ability."
This includes everyone from baby boomers seeking age-qualified housing to millennials starting new families. Universal design doesn’t need to be over the top, either, to be effective. There are a lot of little things that developers can do, he notes, that go a long way toward creating a home that is more comfortable and convenient:
- Incorporating handles that are easy to grip so drawers and doors are easier to open
- Installing windows that are easy to operate
- Designing wider doorways that are easier to navigate (whether for a wheelchair or carting playpens from room to room)
- Installing proper lighting within the unit to make it easier to see
- Placing duplex outlets with light switches in hallways so residents can plug in a vacuum without having to bend over or increase visibility with a nightlight
- Incorporating colors that provide a contrast, especially for troublesome areas such as wall corners and countertops
- Making appliances such as microwaves more accessible and not placing them above hot spaces, such as the range
- Using sliding doors or barn doors for closets and/or bathrooms that can remain open without impeding space