Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments

A much-needed reference to the latest thinking in universal design Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments offers a comprehensive survey of best practices and innovative solutions in universal design. Written by top thinkers at the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDeA), it demonstrates the difference between universal design and accessibility and identifies its relationship to sustainable design and active living. Hundreds of examples from all areas of design illustrate the practical application of this growing field. Complete, in-depth coverage includes: • The evolution of universal design, from its roots in the disability rights movement to present-day trends • How universal design can address the needs of an aging population without specialization or adaptation to reduce the need for expensive and hard-to-find specialized products and services • Design practices for human performance, health and wellness, and social participation • Strategies for urban and landscape design, housing, interior design, product design, and transportation Destined to become the standard professional reference on the subject, Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments is an invaluable resource for architects, interior designers, urban planners, landscape architects, product designers, and anyone with an interest in how we access, use, and enjoy the environment.

Table of Contents:
Foreword xi Preface xiii Acknowledgements xvii Chapter 1: Barriers and their Social Meaning 1 Design as Evolution 1 Barriers as a Universal Experience 3 Barriers in Intellectual Life 4 Social Functions of Space 8 Socio-spatial Order 12 Origins of Universal Design 15 Summary 24 Review Topics 24 References 24 Chapter 2: Defining Universal Design 27 Introduction 27 Emergence of Universal Design 27 Definition 28 Origins 30 Modernism and the Modernist Style 31 Critiques of Modernist Style 33 Return to Human-Centered Design 34 Summary 42 Review Topics 42 References 42 Chapter 3: The New Demographics 45 Demography for Universal Design 45 Uses of Demography in Design 48 Beneficiaries of Universal Design 49 Demography: Points to Remember 60 Summary 62 Review Topics 63 References 63 Chapter 4: Practicing Universal Design 67 Introduction 67 Universal Design as Innovation 67 Tools for Increasing Adoption 70 Introducing Universal Design to Practice 82 Improving Practice 86 Summary 91 Review Topics 91 References 92 Chapter 5: Design for Human Performance 95 Introduction 95 Anthropometry 96 Biomechanics 103 Perception 108 Cognition 119 Summary 129 Review Topics 132 References 132 Chapter 6: Design For Health and Wellness 137 Introduction 137 What are Health and Wellness? 139 Injury Protection 140 Disease Prevention 142 Low-Resource Settings 147 Mental Health 149 Health Impact Assessments 152 Designing for Health and Wellness Guidelines 152 Summary 153 Review Topics 153 References 153 Chapter 7: Design for Social Participation 159 Introduction 159 Social Construction Theory 160 Interpersonal Interaction 163 Access to Resources 167 Segregation and Clustering 172 Design Participation 177 Summary 181 Review Topics 185 References 185 Chapter 8: Public Accommodations 187 Introduction 187 The Purpose of Accessible Design 188 Universal Design Strategies 197 The Future 213 Summary 214 Review Topics 220 References 220 Chapter 9: Housing 223 Evolution of Accessible Housing Policy 223 Community-Based Rehabilitation and Special-Purpose Housing 236 Neighborhood Context 238 Summary 242 Review Topics 243 References 244 Chapter 10: Home Modifications 245 Danise Levine Introduction 245 Target Populations 246 Purpose of Home Modifications 248 Common Needs and Solutions 253 Home Assessments 261 Barriers to Service Delivery 263 Policy 265 Knowledge Needs 268 Summary 269 Review Topics 270 References 271 Chapter 11: Universal Design and the Interior Environment 275 Mary Jane Carroll Introduction 275 Wayfinding 276 Acoustics 279 Lighting 282 Color 287 Furnishings 292 Floor Coverings 299 Summary 302 Review Topics 304 References 304 Chapter 12: Product Design 307 Heamchand Subryan Introduction 307 Assistive Technology 310 Knowledge Translation Problem 312 Changing Marketplace 316 Smarter Products 321 Case Studies 327 Summary 334 Review Topics 335 References 335 Chapter 13: Public Transportation and Universal Design 339 Introduction 339 Background 339 Access to Public Transportation 340 Components of Public Transportation Systems 342 Progress around the World 362 Summary 363 Review Topics 364 References 365 Index 369

About the Author :
Edward Steinfeld is a Professor of Architecture at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, and Director of the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDeA), a leading center for research and development in universal design in North America Jordana L. Maisel is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University at Buffalo, State University if New York, and Director of Outreach and Policy Studies at the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDeA).

Review :
"Universal Design introduces designers to the principles and practice of designing for all people. Covering best practice examples that demonstrate the value of universal design, this new publication is sure to be constantly at the fingertips of all types of designers." (ASID Icon, Summer 2012)