Universal Design
Universal Design is the idea that buildings, services, products, and environments should be designed to meet the needs to everyone who wishes to use them, regardless of age, size, ability, or disability. Accessible, inviting spaces for all can strengthen communities, support good mental health, and, depending on the facility/item in question, support good physical health, as well.
In this thread, you and your business partners have been tasked with designing a new community center in your town. Read “What is Universal Design,” “Definition and Overview,” and “The 7 Principles.” Using what you now know about safe and healthy buildings, and keeping environmental justice in mind, work with a team of minimum two and maximum three (you choose your groups) to create a plan for the community center. Reply directly to this post using the following instructions:
- Draw a mockup of your building either using a computer or by scanning/take a photo of a hand drawing (this does not have to be fancy–just enough for you to be able to give a general sense of the design and label important features).
- Address the following questions: How will you decide where to put your building? What features will your building have? How will you measure whether your project is successful?
- Your building should incorporate some specific elements that embody the principles of Universal Design.
- Only one person your group needs to make this post–the top of your post should start “Team Members: Name1, Name2, Name3”
EXAMPLE
The ideal location for a community building would be located in an easily accessible area that provides public transportation and around other resources, such as Dr’s offices and convenience stores. The building would be designed to be used by any population in the community including children, students, adults, and business partners. The building will be on ground level to make access easier for everyone without having to use stairs or operate around a ramp. The doors to the building will be large automatic sliding doors to make entrance easier for people who are disabled or carrying children. Outside of the community building there will also be a bus stop area with plenty of lighting for safety. Inside of the building there are two bathrooms located right by the front door. The bathrooms are family friendly and gender neutral. Right by the front door is a small booth with local resource pamphlets and information regarding the community. There is also a small study area that contains a few computer cubicles and a bookshelf for reading resources such as dictionaries, atlas’s, maps, and donated books. There are also two private meeting rooms that could be used for business meetings or group meetings. There is also a banquet or small event room that can be rented out for small gatherings. This room also contains its own bathroom and a small kitchen. The community building also contains a lobby area for people to sit, as well as a snack area with vending machines and tables to sit and eat at. There is also a kids room that would have padded floors throughout the room and several play attractions for children. Outside of the back entrance of the community building is a fitness room. The fitness room would contain basic gym equipment for weightlifting and cardio exercising. The is also a designated group fitness area for group instructors to have Zumba, Yoga, or Pilates classes. There is also an outdoor pool located behind the community building. The pool is gated and will always have a lifeguard on duty during open hours. The is designed to keep children who are playing outside safe from wondering into the pool area unaccompanied and falling into the pool. There is also a small community flower garden located in the back. The community center also has an outdoor picnic area with covered shelter and also has a playground located right next to it. There is also a convenient sidewalk the goes along the side of the building to the back to access the playground and other facilities in the back without having to walk inside.
