INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLE

INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLEA person who is considered “Less Able” is defined as a

person that has ‘a speech, hearing or vision problem, may be learning disabled, physically disabled, have reduced ability due to being elderly, crippled, or mentally or emotionally disturbed’ .

INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLEConsidering that one of every

five people from ages five and older, have a disability (Freedman, Martin, & Schoeni, 2004), the reason for limited access by people with disabilities in many private and public areas is unknown and despite these figures, in the past, architectural and interior designs have often catered solely to the average man.

INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLEThankfully.... things are

changing.“Empowerment is often found in

the details of the mundane world. It comes from controlling access to personal space, from being able to alter one's environment and select one’s daily routine, and from having personal space that reflects and upholds one’s identify and interests.”

(Ridgway et al., 1994).

INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLE New and influential legislation arose in the

second half of the twentieth century with the view to recognize the problem of structural barriers in architectural and interior designs.

Modifications of public buildings such as residential complexes, post offices, and schools gradually became more and more frequent. In 1969, the international symbol of accessibility was adopted.

In addition, the government assumed a greater role in facilitating accessibility.

INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLEIt has been well established that the home is one of the fundamental places that gives shape and meaning to peoples’ everyday lives. Studies have found that peoples’ mental and physical wellbeing is related to many circumstances, not the least of which is the quality of their home environment. An important part of such quality is physical design and layout, and the degree to which it enables the ease of peoples mobility and movement around the dwelling and the use of different rooms and their facilities.

INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLEMost people with disability

experience some restriction in relation to their core activities of personal care, schooling and employment. However, many are able to live in their own home and retain their independence.

Our understanding of these issues as a society is changing. In today’s scenario, accessible housing benefits many people and their families.

INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLE Consequently designers must explore the realm of designing interiors for universal

accessibility. Instead of thinking of access issues being relevant only to someone else who uses a

wheelchair, we must think more broadly and personally -– providing access for all people irrespective of ability.

INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLEBefore we can begin to design interiors for the less able, we must be familiar with the possibilities and constraints which must be considered. Since the 1970’s an increasing focus on design for the less able has prompted building regulations to be developed to enable access.

INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLEThe process is continuing and

today Building Codes incorporate further provisions to enhance access both residentially as well as to shops, offices and other public buildings. Furthermore there is evidence that the private housing sector has gained understanding of the demand for universal design and is tailoring housing to the growing market for accessible residences.

Architectural Design Barriers and Needs Many public buildings and

houses are built so that individuals with physical handicaps have difficulty getting in, out, and around the structure. The list of structural barriers in architecture comprises a myriad of obstacles that most architects fail to recognize previous to construction.

Studies reveal that these hazards can cause serious injuries. For instance, approximately 14% of falls take place on stairs (Dickinson, Shroyer, Elias, Curry, & Cook, 2004).

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHTS DISABLED ACCESS HOUSE

Architectural Design Barriers and Needs Remedies for obstructions, though, can be quite simple. A small ramp and/or elevator can be a supplement to

stairs to serve those who use crutches or a wheelchair. The sides of escalators can be extended to the floor so that someone who is blind would not bump his/her head on its underside. All architectural impediments, no matter how big, can be replaced so that the needs of individuals with disabilities can be fulfilled. Some specific architectural design needs include:

larger bathrooms with adequate space to maneuver a wheelchair.

lower kitchen cabinets in order that all can reach. handrails for support next to stairs, toilets, and bathtubs. ramps and/or elevators in multi-levelled buildings. knee space under bathroom and kitchen sinks in order

that people in wheelchairs can be more comfortable while using the sinks.

mounted telephones that do not protrude so that it is not in the pathway of someone who can not see.

audio and visual feedback in elevators for individuals who are blind and hard of hearing.

Interior Design Barriers and Needs Obstacles that derive from the design of

the interior of the facility exist in addition to barriers that may be part of the actual building. Studies have found that interior design hazards lead to one-third to one-half of all falls (Dickinson, et al., 2004).

Similar to the obstructions that may be present in architecture, these problems can also be easily fixed with an alternate design.

Instead of round knobs, loop handles could be used.

Cushions on chairs and sofas should be firm enough so that a person would not sink into the seat and would not need to struggle to arise from it.

With some thought, interior designers can easily create new imaginative and more accessible designs that can meet their clients’ particular needs.

Interior Design Barriers and Needs Some specific interior design needs

include: dense, tightly woven carpeting for

smoother and safer movement around the room.

side-by-side refrigerator and freezer for better access for those in wheelchairs.

pullout shelves so that one does not have to reach.

lever-type faucets to make handles less difficult to turn.

no wall fixtures that are low enough for a person to bump.

light-weight doors so that there is more ease when opening and closing for an individual who is weak or uses a wheelchair or crutches.

INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLEA growing awareness and acceptance that people have diverse physical and mental abilities has stimulated international interest in accessible and universal design.Consequently there is a need and desire to create residential spaces for those that are less able - people with disabilities and the elderly.

In this subject you will design residential space in accordance with project briefs for a client that is less able.You will analyse site constraints in order to rectify and improve spatial designs to suit special needs of a less able user. You will also have the opportunity to explore the design process and undertake the development of the project plan for your client.

INTERIORS FOR THE LESS ABLE ASSESSMENT 1

In preparation for designing for the less able, you will research Australia’s programs and regulations related to building interior environments for the less able.You will investigate the ergonomics and differences needed in public spaces and residential areas for the less able.Based on your findings, you will compile a report with reference to both general and specific regulations.Your submission will be a report (approx 1000 word) on the regulations and design criteria related to commercial and residential spaces for the less able.

Your report will include supportive images.Due Date: Week 3, 25 April 2014

http://www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/good-bad-and-ugly-design-and-construction-access-0

https://www.bca.gov.sg/BarrierFree/others/ACCESSIBILITY_CODE_2013.pdf

http://livablehousingaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Livable_Housing_Design_Guidelines_Web.pdf

USEFUL LINKS:

http://www.secretdesignstudio.com/blog/2011/12/15/A-little-gem-of-a-home-for-a-disabled-person.aspx