Bathroom design with dementia in mind
Dr. Birgit Dietz explains the background thoughts in the development of the age and dementia-sensitive washbasin, which she designed together with HEWI. She is a visiting lecturer in the Hospital and Health Sector Building department of Munich’s Technical University and has her own architectural firm in Bamberg.
Mayo Clinic to Study the Health Effects of the Built Environment
Americans spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors—from homes to office or work environments, schools, retail stores, fitness centers, health care facilities, and more—which means exposure to indoor environments is at an all-time high. What many people don’t realize is that these buildings, and everything in them, can affect human health and well-being.
UD: Diversity of explanations and interpretations
After spending time with Professor Ed Steinfeld, Professor Rob Imrie and Dr Kim Kullman at various events, workshops and meetings in the last three weeks, I’ve expanded my thinking about universal design. A key thought to emerge from one workshop is that we should embrace the diversity of ways in which universal design is expressed instead of […]
25 years after landmark Americans With Disabilities Act
Universal Design and Public Space Emergencies
Universal design has been a topic of much discussion in recent times. In fact, the Association of Consultants in Access Australia dedicated their recent national conference to the theme “Universal Design: A Better Way.”
The ADA and Inclusion in Libraries
The history of libraries serving people with disabilities is long and distinguished. Libraries were often the first social or government institutions in many communities across the nation to recognize the humanity of people with disabilities and provide services to promote their rights and equality. Long a symbol of inclusion, diversity, and opportunity, libraries were at […]
Guide opens door to sports accessibility
Sport and Recreation Victoria has launched a new web portal to aid architects, designers and project managers to build better public places. The Design for Everyone Guide was unveiled by Minister for Sport, John Eren, who said it would help builders and planners develop public spaces such as pools and stadiums that were accessible to […]
UB IDeA Center receives $4.6 million federal grant
The University at Buffalo’s Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDeA Center) has received a fourth round of federal funding to continue its work on a wide range of universal design projects. Read More >>
Cornell Study Shows Good Design Means Better Health Outcomes
Many health care facility owners hold the assumption, that new design and construction offer little to no financial returns. In a recent Cornell study published in Health Environments Research and Design Journal, the opposite of this assumption is proving to be true.
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Aims to Make the Mary Free Bed YMCA the First Building in the World to have Universal Design Certification
“Our community is embarking on the remarkable mission of building the first health and wellness facility in the world specifically designed to equally serve both able-bodied individuals as well as those with a variety of disabilities,” said Ron Nelson, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. “We are grateful for our partnership […]