Courses

Boston Architectural College

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RIN4013 Accessible Design as a Way of Thinking:

The course will address the legal, historical, and international context for the principles of universal design (as differentiated from adaptable design). It will provide an introduction to how aging, illness, disability, and environmental sensitivities (both temporary and permanent) can influence an individual’s residential needs.

SEM0049 Universal Design and the Home:

To understand Universal Design, it is important to appreciate the range of human abilities – sensory, cognitive, and mobility – and their impact on daily living. Strict compliance with building codes does not guarantee that a space will be fully useable by its inhabitants. Designers of houses for wounded warriors, aging citizens, and families living with special needs are pushing the boundaries of residential design in a way that has a profound impact on work in other areas of specialization. Come prepared to share knowledge and see what others are doing.

Universal Design (UD) is an approach to design that increases the potential for developing a better quality of life for a wide range of individuals. It is a design process that enables and empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation (Steinfeld and Maisel, 2012). It creates products, systems, and environments to be as usable as possible by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability or situation.