Accessible Design (Above& Beyond) Up at The O2
Access Engineer David Dropkin of Buro Happold and Rosa D’Alessandro of AEG give an insight into the process behind ensuring that this exciting visitor attraction is accessible to as many people as possible.
Complete Streets Toolkit
GO TO 2040 recognizes the need for a modern, efficient transportation system to support the growth, diversity, and prosperity of the region. To help achieve this, the plan recommends policies, actions, and investments to improve conditions for bicycling, walking, and the use of public transportation, including a Complete Streets approach to planning and designing local […]
Design for life. AKA design for: all, access, lifespan, universal, inclusive, adaptive and more
What parent hasn’t cursed steps and stairs as they’ve hauled a baby laden stroller up them? Or protected sharp corners from impact by a pre-schooler’s head? Who hasn’t slipped in the shower and reached out for something substantial to hold onto?
Building a better world: can architecture shape behaviour?
In 1966, a British planner called Maurice Broady came up with a new term for the architectural lexicon: architectural determinism. This was to describe the practice of groundlessly asserting that design solutions would change behaviour in a predictable and positive way.
Time to Think Differently
Edward Steinfeld, AIA and Director of the IDeA Center, wrote a fantastic article for the American Architectural Foundation about the need for age-friendly community design. Steinfeld argues that the creation of age-restricted communities, like The Villages in Orlando, FL, removes older adults who can afford them from the community at large. This negatively impacts communities, […]
Autism Friendly Environments
Dimensions, a non-profit group providing services that support people with autism and learning disabilities, recently conducted an online poll asking the public what type of business they most wanted to be inclusive and accessible to people with autism. 250 people responded to the poll. Restaurants were voted as the place most people would like to […]
Designing for Acoustics, Hearing and Aging
The American Society of Interior Designers has some information about designing for people with hearing loss on their website. An article written by Samantha McAskill, ASID, lists various tips for interior designers like, using sound absorbing fabics, avoiding high ceilings, planning for quiet rooms / areas in the home, selecting quiet appliances, and using visual […]
Grant continues work to improve transit, sidewalk access
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and UB are collaborating on a five-year, $4.6 million federally funded project to advance physical access and public transportation for people with disabilities by bringing together computer science technology and the principles of universal design.
Mobile Captioning App Waiting for FCC Approval
Concerned about fraud, the FCC is delaying funding any new companies hoping to launch telecommunication relay services until fraud prevention policies can be put in place. A recent article in the Washington Post reported that the InnoCaption app developed by Miracom is still awaiting approval by the FCC after two years.
NAHB Remodelers Bestows 2013 Homes for Life Awards
The National Association of Home Builders Remodelers group recently announced 2 winners of its annual Homes for Life awards, which recognize great design for aging in place and Universal Design. The awards were presented on Oct. 17 at the NAHB Remodelers’ annual gala during the 2013 Remodeling Show in Chicago.