Safety vs Aesthetics – Universal Design Solves the Quandary
Authors
Barbara MuellerSession
A4. Renovation and home modificationDate and Time
2014-06-16, 14:25 - 15:05Room
MA 6Abstract
People think about universal design in different ways. Some think that safety in the bathroom has to look institutional and has to be ugly. However, it is possible to design a bathroom that is functional, safe, and healthy with universal design products and features. More importantly, it will be beautiful as well as comfortable. There are ways to achieve this using the actual principles and goals of universal design. The objective is to design bathrooms that are aesthetically pleasing and functional, as well as less hazardous – no matter the size, ability, or age of the user.
The statistics of injuries in bathrooms at alarming, with falls causing 81% of the injuries. We’ll be looking at applying the Universal Design (UD) principles and goals that will enhance the safety of the differing major elements of the bath through the use of current and functional UD features and products.
Different areas of concern regarding poorly designed elements in the bathroom and the hazards they can present are identified and solutions are communicated.