5. Tolerance for error. The design must minimize hazards and adverse consequences associated with accidental or unintended actions. This includes providing warnings of hazards and creating fail-safe features.
6. Low physical effort. The design should be able to be used efficiently and comfortably with a minimum of fatigue. This focuses on minimizing repetitive actions and sustained physical action where possible.
7. Size and space for approach and use. All spaces should be designed to provide for easy approach, reach, manipulation and use regardless of user's body size, posture or mobility. This includes providing clear lines of sight, making the reach to all components comfortable for anyone seated and accommodating various hand and grip sizes.Universal designs also should incorporate concepts for economic, engineering, cultural, gender and environmental concerns, the group stresses. The goal is to create a home that is comfortable as users age, change their mobility or need to sell the home and want a diverse and wide-ranging base of potential buyers.
Stahr, who also heads LifeSpring Environs Inc., helped to spearhead a recent show house in the Atlanta area to illustrate key points of universal design. The home was a three-year collaboration developed by local members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and built by Bob Adams Homes. A variety of suppliers and local organizations also sponsored the home, which was designed to provide a demonstration of how good design and careful preplanning can deliver a home that will reap benefits for many years to come.
For more information on universal design and details about the Livable Lifetime Show House, visit www.universaldesign.org or call 770-667-4591.
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