Universal Design

Practical Solution

The “How To”

Households should be accessible, and products should be useable by everyone, regardless of a person’s age, size, or ability. For instance, everything that is needed for a resident to live comfortably should be on the first floor. An example of Universal Design in a community is the need to have well-designed and uninterrupted sidewalks, with plenty of benches for resting.

The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University developed these principles to assist developers when creating Universal Design products:

PRINCIPLE ONE: Equitable Use

The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities

PRINCIPLE TWO: Flexibility in Use

The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

PRINCIPLE THREE: Simple and Intuitive Use

Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

PRINCIPLE FOUR: Perceptible Information

The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

PRINCIPLE FIVE: Tolerance for Error

The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

PRINCIPLE SIX: Low Physical Effort

The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

PRINCIPLE SEVEN: Size and Space for Approach and Use

Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility.

Planning & Zoning

Universal Design is more of a concept and an inspirational approach to building that a mandated practice. Designers, developers and contractors often simply follow code minimums and make claims like, "We've been doing it this way for years." Universal Design calls for a change in mindset in which the goal becomes to make communities accessible to everyone, regardless of age and physical ability. The best way to start is to integrate the seven principles of Universal Design into building codes, safety codes, zoning regulations, site-plan design reviews, and tax incentives. As an example, The City of Saint Louis and the Affordable Housing Commission provides both a Universal Design Checklist for construction and a Universal Design Checklist for design. The Global Universal Design Commission, Inc. (GUDC) offers Universal Design case studies and certification. The Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDeA) provides resources and technical expertise to achieve UD standards.

When planning neighborhoods for Universal Design, several fundamental factors include walking distances, levels of incline, and landmark orientation. Universal Design New York 2 (UDNY2) provides best practices for Universal Design. UDNY2 covers a multitude of everyday designs such as parking and passenger loading zones, public amenities, human service facilities, renovations and additions, and more. Neighborhood officials, developers, designers may use UDNY2 as a checklist for Universal Design. For example, UDNY2 would require delivery of information in several languages and alternative information systems such as audio and visual signage. In addition, UDNY2 allocates seating at sporting and entertainment venues such as baseball stadiums and theaters so that all can enjoy themselves with their friends and family without inferior seating. Other information included relates to public amenities such as public restrooms.

Dollars & Cents

The cost of including Universal Design elements in new construction is very minimal. Expect costs to be around 2% of a conventional design; however, the cost of some of the less conventional elements will most likely go down, as they are more frequently requested by consumers and contractors become more familiar with Universal Design elements. Universal Design elements can also be integrated within the community as older elements are replaced or new elements are added, so the cost is still relatively inconsequential and the return will be a sustainable community that attracts a stronger population.

Case Studies

6 North Apartment

• Description

  6 North Apartments located in the Central West End is one of the United States first 100% multifamily residential buildings. This building provides space for live/work units and functions as a mixed-income building. This building was completed with collaboration by universal design consultants Starkloff Disability Institute and Cohen Hilberry Architects.

  Find more information on the 6 North Apartment case study