The First Facility Management Blog

Universal Design can challenge designers, architects, and engineers to rethink the fundamentals while considering how an environment can be designed or adapted to accommodate people’s changing needs, while incorporating new aesthetics that aren’t prohibitively expensive or appear institutional. Moen discusses the trends to consider when assessing or planning your facility’s Universal Design aspects.

Think about this next time you visit a restaurant, shopping center or other public place. Can you function with ease and confidence? Are doors wide enough to maneuver through? Are store aisles and walkways clear and uncluttered? Is the restroom accessible, convenient and easy to use? If so, the facility has incorporated the principles of universal design.

The Case for Universal Design
catering to people of different ages, sizes, abilities and circumstances is not just a necessity, it’s mandated due to the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Instead of offering specialized products that segregate users who may perform activities differently, many facilities are incorporating universal design, which allows individuals of all abilities to use the same product.

According to the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, universal design ensures that products and environments can be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. But in addition to usability, consumers and designers want stylish products that blend and complement a variety of décors instead of the institutional-looking products from the past.

Why has the need for universal design trend become so imperative? There are many reasons why environments need to be more adaptable for all. Results from the National Center for Health Statistics show that Americans as a whole are larger, with a 6-7% weight increase in the last decade. Despite this unhealthy trend, advanced technology is also allowing people to live longer and overcome enormous adversities from injuries and accidents. Plus, 3.2 million members of the Baby Boomer generation will turn 55 years old this year alone. These changes continue to highlight the growing need to adapt not only product design but facility design as well.

The Principles of Universal Design
When beginning a project, it is important to keep seven key principles in mind. These were developed by the Center for Universal Design to assist manufacturers, builders and consumers in keeping accessibility and practicality top of mind.

1. Equitable use: The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities
2.Flexibility in use: It accommodates a wide range of preferences and abilities
3. Simple and intuitive: The design is easy-to-understand, regardless of user’s experience, knowledge or skills
4. Perceptible information: Necessary information is communicated effectively to the user, regardless of sensory limitations
5. Tolerance for error: The design minimizes hazards, accidents or unintended actions
6. Low physical effort: It can be used with minimal effort
7. Size and space for approach and use: Regardless of user’s stature and mobility, the design is appropriate for approach, reach, manipulation and use

Incorporating the Principles
These principles help ensure the design for each space is usable and accessible. For example, entries are clear of steps or include a ramp. Faucets are easy to reach and turn on and off with hands-free technology or lever handles. Doors are wide enough to accommodate a walker, wheelchair or double stroller. Grab bars are conveniently placed in restroom stalls for stability. Shelving units or countertops are set at various heights and light switches are lowered. Door knobs are replaced with lever handles, making it easier for those with arthritis or limited range of motion to open and close the door. These are just a few simple ways to maintain a universal-design lifestyle.

For companies and builders interested in implementing universal design principles, but concerned about cost implications, it is important to note that small changes can make a big difference. Commercial products, like Moen’s Extended Reach Faucets or FreeHand™ sensor operated flush valves and faucets are among the options in the commercial products market that cater to the needs of consumers. By incorporating these products into the initial design, a business can avoid the high costs associated with installing specialized, and often numerous units while ensuring the lavatory can be easily accessible and usable by all.