Human Factors & the Built Environment
Chapter4 Universal Design
Ms. Haifa AlHajji 1
Introduction
… Issues discussed in this chapter…
Accessibility & universal design
Ms. Haifa AlHajji 2
Introduction
Interior designers ..strive to create environments that everyone can use.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that people
with different needs are able to access specific areas within a
building.
Universal design … is “the art and practice of design to
accommodate the widest variety of number of people
throughout their life span”
Ms. Haifa AlHajji 3
Universal Design
Difference between ADA & Universal design … universal
design goes beyond ADA compliance and creates an environment that
meets the needs of any user without drawing attention to and
regardless of anyone with disabilities.
▪the concept of universal design goes beyond complying with the law.
Example .. a ramp alongside steps provides access, but a
well-landscaped ramp that all can use gives everyone the same, equal
access.
▪Before understanding universal design and how it surpasses ADA
compliance, the designer must first understand ADA requirements.
Ms. Haifa AlHajji 4
Americans With Disabilities (ACT)
access into and around spaces for those with disabilities was difficult
The ADA is civil rights legislation designed to protect people with
physical and mental disabilities.
It mandates that businesses and buildings used by the public must
provide access to and be usable by individuals with disabilities
However , it is not always possible, so it is only a must to the extent it is possible
Ex. building considered a Historic Place that is accessed by the public must
provide some type of access such as a ramp in the rear or side of the building. In
this way, a historic façade is preserved
ADA has exceptions for some buildings such as private residential buildings and is
mostly concerned with public buildings
Ms. Haifa AlHajji 5
Americans With Disabilities (ACT)
Importance of ADA …
▪allowing people with disabilities access to a myriad of environments,
▪Allowing them access to equal opportunities for employment.
Ms. Haifa AlHajji 6
Americans With Disabilities (ACT)
ADA Standards…
mm
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Americans With Disabilities (ACT)
ADA Standards…
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Americans With Disabilities (ACT)
ADA Standards…
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Americans With Disabilities (ACT)
ADA Standards…
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Americans With Disabilities (ACT)
ADA Standards…
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Americans With Disabilities (ACT)
ADA Standards…
clearance = 1220
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Americans With Disabilities (ACT)
ADA Standards…
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Americans With Disabilities (ACT)
ADA Standards…
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Americans With Disabilities (ACT)
ADA Standards…
Ramps & elevators provide
access for people in
wheelchairs or those who
have difficulty in climbing
stairs. Even the mandated
staircase design provides
easier movement to & from
the staircase with extended
handrails to provide
stability.
Ms. Haifa AlHajji 15
Americans With Disabilities (ACT)
Clearance of ADA Bathroom
ADA Standards…
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Americans With Disabilities (ACT)
ADA Standards…
Signage should be easy to
read & understand. Symbols
should be legible for those
with low vision. International
symbols are required.
The should be graphical that
provide information without
words.
Ms. Haifa AlHajji 17
Americans With Disabilities (ACT)
ADA Standards…
Ms. Haifa AlHajji 18
Americans With Disabilities (ACT)
ADA Standards…
Must safely open doors & appliances as
well as walk through the space.
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Universal Design
Universal Design definition…
“the process of creating products (devices, environments, systems, and
processes) which are usable by people with the widest possible range of
abilities, operating within the widest possible range of situations
(environments, conditions, and circumstances)”
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Inclusive Design
Inclusive Design …
inclusive design is that all people are at the heart of the design…
Thus, inclusive design is planned, designed and built, managed, and
used with all people in mind, and with the idea that everyone connected
to the design should be involved in all phases of the design process
Inclusive design should be:
▪Responsive: Its accessibility must be invisible and not draw attention to a disability.
▪Adaptable: There are options (e.g., choice of entrances rather than only one for
someone in a wheelchair).
▪Accessible: Must comply with ADA
▪Secure
Ms. Haifa AlHajji 21
ADA Versus Universal Design
Universal Design …
is about looking at how different types of abilities are enhanced or
supported by the environment, . . . the more one knows about people the
better the design becomes (accessible to all)
the inclusive design criteria go beyond accessibility and
become responsive, adaptable, and secure to all people.
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Universal Non-inclusive Versus Inclusive Design
Ms. Haifa AlHajji 23
Universal Non-inclusive Versus Inclusive Design
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Universal Non-inclusive Versus Inclusive Design
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Universal Non-inclusive Versus Inclusive Design
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Universal Non-inclusive Versus Inclusive Design
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Universal Non-inclusive Versus Inclusive Design
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Universal Non-inclusive Versus Inclusive Design
Figure
(a) Accessible kitchen An accessible kitchen has an
open area under the sink and open space to
maneuver.
(b) Inclusive kitchen This GE Real Life Design
Kitchen features a switch that adjusts the level of
the sink to be usable by a tall person or a
wheelchair user. This kitchen, which is still in use on
the campus of Virginia Tech, considers the user
within its space. (c) Inclusive kitchen As is seen in
this GE Real Life Design Kitchen, a wheelchair can
easily maneuver under the sink.
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ADA Versus Universal Design
Designing for all …
▪Designing for all considers the range of ages from children
through adulthood.
▪In addition, a person may experience health changes
during his or her life that are temporary or permanent that
affect the ability to walk, grasp objects, see, hear, smell,
think clearly, and so on.
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ADA Versus Universal Design
Current trends…
devices were originally designed as aids for people with special needs. But
now the general population uses them daily.
these products are in the class of inclusivity; they meet the needs of many.
Ex. remote controls, foot-operated flip-top trash bins, and hands-free devices
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Suggested Reading:
Pages 71-121
Human Factors in the Built Environment
Linda L. Nussbaumer
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