As I speak around the country about universal design housing, members of my audience composed of interior designers, architects, builders and consumers ask many questions. It has occurred to me over the past several years that there are many misconceptions about universal design. Let me share a few of the top myths and explain reality from my perspective.
Myth: A home using universal design looks ugly, institutional and stereotypes the home so people know it was designed for a person with a disability.
Reality: Professionally designed homes with universal design features and products enhance the beauty of a home while making it functional for people with disabilities, as well as convenient for people without disabilities. Universal design is for everyone, not just people with disabilities. There are many beautiful noninstitutional looking universal design products, such as grab bars, in the marketplace. Much of a home's beauty comes from the finishes of the plumbing fixtures, appliances, hardware, cabinets, countertops, wall treatment, and flooring. Universal design products are available in these beautiful finishes.
Myth: Universal design costs more due to the building design and products with universal design features, such as windows, appliances and plumbing fixtures.
Reality: My experience building my own home, the Universal Design Living Laboratory, national demonstration home in Columbus, Ohio, has shown that there are many choices when it comes to selecting products for the home. Those with universal design features are not more expensive as a general rule. In fact by adding design features and products that support universal design, the home will have more value to the occupants because it will be more usable for a lifetime.
Myth: Universal design takes more square footage.
Reality: Space planning is critical in home design especially when the homeowner uses a wheelchair. As a person who uses a wheelchair, I am very cognizant of where extra space is needed and how to be conservative with space planning when creating a floor plan. By creating an open plan with fewer hallways, square footage can be conserved. By putting adequate space in the kitchen and bathrooms, there will be a lot more accessibility, comfort, and convenience. A universal design home need not have additional square footage, but rather have adequate room for a person to navigate the home from a wheelchair.
Myth: The resale value of the home will be less due to limiting the number of buyers who would be interested in these universal design features.
Reality: Universal design is for people of all ages and abilities. As the US population gets older, especially the baby boomers, they will be remaining in their homes longer. Many are opting to renovate their homes, and others are choosing additions to help them to age in place. Some are purchasing new homes of a smaller size than their last home. They are looking for all the features and comforts to be able to maintain their independence and stay in their homes for the rest of their lifetimes. Universal design features provide for safety and add value to a home.
Myth: The Americans with Disabilities Act has so many regulations that are very complicated to follow when designing homes with universal design features.
Reality: The ADA does not apply to single family housing unless federal funding was utilized. Private homeowners do not have ADA laws to follow.
Myth: The builder and their subcontractors are used to doing it their way and will not follow my design properly to include universal design features. It's too hard to change their building process.
Reality: Builders are becoming certified through the National Association of Home Builders in the Certified Aging in Place Specialist program and are learning how to utilize universal design principles. Builders are insisting that their subcontractors read the plans and follow the procedures for building new homes. As products are ordered by the builder, the universal design features are already a part of the design. As builders construct more homes with universal design features, universal design will become the new standard in the building industry.
Myth: A home containing universal design features will be harder to pass a building code inspection.
Reality: By the very nature and definition of universal design, there are no practices that go against federal and state building codes. There are also provisions for local variances should a question arise in the plan review stage.
Myth: Universal design homes have ramps at the front door causing the home to be labeled as a home for a person with a disability.
Reality: In order to create a no step entrance, there are some instances where a ramp at the front door is the only solution. However, by modifying the grade around the home, there are many properties that can be designed with a no step entrance. If ramping is needed elsewhere, such as in the garage, side door, or rear door, the ramp is not visible from the street.
Myth: Universal design is restricted to building a ranch style home.
Reality: First floor living is the goal for universal design, however, multilevel homes can also be constructed with provisions for access to the upper and lower floors by way of elevators, platform lifts and stair lifts.
Myth: Only a small number of people with disabilities and the elderly will benefit from universal design.
Reality: Universal design is human-centered design. The inclusive design of spaces and products will benefit people of all ages, with or without physical or mental limitations. No one can predict when a short term or long term disability will be a part of our lives. It is far better to plan for homes to accommodate us as we age rather than to be forced out of our homes when circumstances change.
THE PO!NT (by Micène R. Fontaine, Director):
The bottom line is plain common sense: We need to design with the future in mind and it does NOT have to be ugly, costly, or otherwise burdensome. Political leanings aside, everything from our aging population to our environment points us towards environmental sustainability (think green/sustainable, C2C design...) and social sustainability (universal/inclusive/lifespan design, design-for-all, etc). If you're still wondering if it is "worth it", think back to the last time you or a loved one was "temporarily disabled" (broken leg, surgery, etc) and everything instantly became a struggle. I've been there and wished better design decisions had been made both at the hospital and in my own home (and neighborhood). You may also want to think back to the last child born into your family, when you could not help but wonder what kind of world we will leave behind for him or her to enjoy. I have also been there; I have three nephews now and want to do every little thing I can to make the world a better place or at least not a worse one for them to inherit. At any rate, we all know that every single thing we can do counts. We also know that it won't happen overnight, but it all adds up. While the task at hand is cross-disciplinary, design professionals play a crucial role in getting the ball rolling and setting new standards. If you still think it's all fluff, I'd like to hear your thoughts and invite you to post your comments on this blog. If you think it is worth a try, here are some good ways to get started:
- Learn: Join Design Arts' "Designing Sustainable Homes That Make Life Easier" continuing education seminar to learn what it takes to develop universal and sustainable homes from the basics to insider practical tips to the newest products or consider our "Intelligent Homes" continuing education seminar.
- Source: A good place to start is universaldesignresource.com.
- Share: Post your thoughts, comments, and resources on this blog or share this blog post on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.
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