You’re ready to remodel your space or build it from scratch. You’ve got your fabrics, finishes, fixtures and style picked out, but have you considered how you’ll move around in that space? Do you know if there is enough lighting to
You’re ready to remodel your space or build it from scratch. You’ve got your fabrics, finishes, fixtures and style picked out, but have you considered how you’ll move around in that space? Do you know if there is enough lighting to conduct certain tasks in that space? How will the finishes effect the way the space will be used.
One of the most important aspects of designing a space that most professional interior designers have to consider is designing in a way that pretty much anyone can use that space. The common term used to describe a space like this is called Universal Design. All of the planning for Universal Design has to be planned in advance to be sure all areas of compliance are covered.
Waaayyy back in the 80s, (BTW, the 80s are back, check out the current fashion trends), congress passed a set of guidelines to help ensure anyone with disabilities would have access in interior spaces. These guidelines were called by the name Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA.
According to ADA guidelines and The Fair Housing Act, there are seven basic requirements that must be met to comply with the access requirements of the Act. Those Requirements are:
Requirement 1. An accessible building entrance on an accessible route.
Requirement 2. Accessible common and public use areas.
Requirement 3. Usable doors (usable by a person in a wheelchair).
Requirement 4. Accessible route into and through the dwelling unit.
Requirement 5. Light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats and other environmental controls in accessible locations.
Require