The words dream house may conjure up fantasy amenities and
custom trims. But smart homeowners also imagine a home they can live in forever
— with a young family, through busy midlife, and with many of the common
physical limitations that getting older can bring, from arthritis to needing a
wheelchair.
Universal design (UD) is the design of products and
environments that are usable by most people, regardless of their level of
ability or disability, and at little or no extra cost. From entryways to
kitchens and
bathrooms to bedrooms,
they often increase the value of a home. UD brings together the principles of
accessible design (meeting standards for handicapped access, using “adaptable”
design, meaning “normal”-looking design that can be revised later for disabled
use), ergonomic design (allowing people and things to interact most effectively
and safely), and green design (environmentally friendly spaces). UD is
sometimes also called “lifespan design.”
