Universal Design Definition

‘Universal design is an approach to
the design of products, services and environments to be useable by
everyone, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for
adaptation or specialised design. Universal design is an inclusive
design philosophy which spans age, gender and ability’. (Center
for Universal Design, 1997)

Universally designed housing

An approach to building homes and
living spaces which:

1. meet the needs of home occupants
   regardless of age or ability;

2. are capable of adapting to meet
   the changing needs of home occupants;

3. can be economically adapted to
   respond to the current and future needs of homes occupants;

4. are well integrated within the
   community.

Principles
of Universal Design as they apply to housing

The seven principles of universal
design can apply to housing in the following ways.

Principle
1: Equitable to use

Housing design should be useful,
appealing, and marketable to all potential home occupants with
diverse abilities.

Examples include:

• covered or enclosed garages with
  level approach to the house

• level principle entrance with a
  landscaped approach on a sloping site

• power-assisted garage entrance
  doors

• external and internal sensor
  lights.

Principle
2: Flexible in use

Housing design and product selection
should accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and
abilities.

Examples include:

• at least two living spaces on the
  ground floor level of a dwelling, to accommodate a ground floor
  bedroom or office space in the future

• aligning front and rear entrance
  doors and considering room configurations to facilitate dual
  occupancy as a mortgage-helper or in the event of an elderly parent
  moving in due to illness

• kitchen counter tops at both a
  standing and sitting height to accommodate reduced standing
  endurance, temporary and long term mobility impairment, and small
  children.

Principle
3: Simple and intuitive to use

Housing design and layout should
accommodate all home occupants regardless of their past experience,
familiarity or cognitive ability.

Examples include:

• consistent location of light
  switches throughout a dwelling

• level access throughout the home
  reducing risk of injury and falls

• logical layout of rooms within a
  home dwelling in addition to open plan living spaces

• avoidance of long corridors

• entrance doors are defined to ease
  orientation.

Principle
4: Easy to interpret

Housing design should communicate
environmental information to the home occupant, regardless of ambient
conditions and ability.

Examples include:

• product selection and insulation
  options selected to enhance acoustic clarity

• switch designs for lights and
  general purpose outlets which are uniform, easy to use and
  detectable

• selection of appliances (i.e.
  ovens, washing machines, alarms) which incorporate audible/visual
  cues and flexible installation options.

Principle
5: Safe and sensible to use

Housing design minimises hazards and
adverse consequences of unintended actions.

Examples include:

• automatic cut-off cook-tops and
  cool-plates which are only activated in contact with cook-pans

• installing double-cut door locks
  to allow keys to be inserted into a keyhole either way

• safety switch activation to
  prevent electrical surges and accidental overload.

Principle
6: Requires low physical effort

Housing design and product selection
should be easy, comfortable, and efficient to use to accommodate a
wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

Examples include:

• window operation units located at
  a height that is within both standing and seated reach ranges,
  requiring only single-handed operation

• shower amenities that accommodate
  both standing and seated showering positions

• lever style door hardware and
  taps.

Principle
7: Promotes ease on approach to housing features and elements

Living spaces designed to ensure
sufficient area is provided for the home occupant to easily approach,
reach, and manipulate the elements within their home environment.

Examples include:

1. covered entrance doors and
   generous internal foyer areas

2. wider internal corridors to ease
   moving of furniture and assist approach to doorway entrances for
   people using mobility equipment

3. providing reasonable circulation
   space between fixed furniture and fittings such as kitchen cupboards
   and bath