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Universal design for housing

Applying Principles of Universal Design to Housing

What is Universal Design for Housing?

UD provides a foundation for ensuring that housing can better respond to the needs of people with disabilities. While UD is not the same as accessible design, it does make it easier to adapt housing to meet the needs of current and future household members. UD is relevant because consumers are asking for more choice, convenience, comfort and affordability. UD’s person-centred, affordable, adaptable and inclusive approach seeks to address housing inequalities. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

National Housing Strategy promotes Universal Design

Accessible Design for Housing

Accessible Design. The CSA/ASC B652, Accessible dwellings standard was developed to support peoples’ accessibility needs. It uses evidence to outline the requirements for the design, construction, and renovation of accessible homes. It was written to help people build homes that can meet a wide range of requirements and are easily adaptable over time.

Universal Design for multi-unit residential buildings

The Universal Design Guide for multi-unit residential buildings is intended for multi-unit residential buildings consisting of single-level units in low-, mid- or high-rise buildings with common areas and entrances. (Source: CMHC)

Aging in Place

Accessibility for housing is not yet mandated in Canada however there are multiple resources to help creating barrier free homes. Here are common accessibility features for aging in place:

Common Aging in Place Features:

One no-step path to a no-step entry that can be at the front, side, rear, or through a garage (1/4–1/2 in. thresholds)
No step access to patios, balconies, and terraces (1/4–1/2 in. thresholds)
Doorways have at least a 34 in. wide clear opening with appropriate approach clearances
Door handles are 34–38 inches from the floor
Hallways and passageways are 42 in. clear minimum
Access to at least one full bath on the main floor with reinforced walls at toilets and tubs for the future installation of grab bars
Cabinetry in kitchen that allows a person to work in a seated position
Light switches and electrical outlets 24–48 in. from finished floor
Stairways have tread widths at least 11 in. deep and risers no greater than 7 in. high
Good lighting throughout the house including task lighting in critical locations (e.g. under kitchen cabinets)
Non-glare surfaces
Contrasting colors to promote good perception of edges and boundaries
Clear floor space of at least 30 x 48 in. in front of all appliances, fixtures, and cabinetry
Front-loading laundry equipment
Ample kitchen and closet storage or adjustable shelving within 28–48 in.
Comfortable reach zones

(Steinfeld and White, 2010).

OTHER RESOURCES

Universal Design for Housing Videos

Universal Design SAFERhome Standards Video

The Trend Toward Universal Design - Alair Homes

CityStream: Universal Design & Aging in Place

Universal Design for Housing Seminars

What is Adaptable, Visitable, and Universal Housing? LivABLE Design Summit

Quotes

"We, humans, are complex adaptive systems. Collectively and individually, we seem to be attracted to things that threaten our well-being. Beyond the obvious vices and weaknesses this includes binaries, labels, hierarchies of power, and elitism. Our extra-large brains have been honed to be siloed and short term, rather than holistic and long term. Time famine, the need for speed, and the competition for attention has encouraged shallowness and fragmentation. What are the implications for well-being? What are the role and responsibilities of designers, and the implications for the practice of design in this existential predicament?⁠" ⁠ Jutta Treviranus - speaking on “Inclusive Ecosystems” at the LivABLE Design Summit on April 20 - 21. www.livablecanada.com.⁠

Jutta Treviranus

Director of the Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC) and professor in the faculty of Design at OCAD University in Toronto