Author: Calina Drakulic
Homes are spaces that are meant to provide shelter and comfort to their inhabitants. Universal Design aims to create spaces that can be accessed and enjoyed by all regardless of age, size or ability. Recently, in an effort to “future-proof” housing for diverse needs, Age Friendly Ireland and the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design produced a checklist on internal layout for Universal Design homes. This is an important, helpful tool for designers that summarises guidelines that affect the internal layout of the home, ensuring accessibility is built in from the very beginning.
The publication of this checklist comes at a critical time. According to Census 2022, over 1.1 million people in Ireland reported having at least one long-lasting condition or difficulty, and our ageing population is growing rapidly. By embedding Universal Design principles now, we can ensure our housing stock meets the needs of current and future generations.
What is the Internal Layout Checklist?
This checklist is specific to the internal layout of the home and outlines requirements for various key areas, including entrance, hallways, corridors, doors, living spaces, storage, etc.
The checklist sis designed in two tiers: UD Home, which optimises flexibility and usability for everyone, and UD Home+, which goes further to accommodate changing needs over time. Designers can select the appropriate tier depending on the level of accessibility required.
These check lists includes specific requirements for various aspects of the internal layout of the home. For example, this guideline gives specifications for Universal Design in the bedroom. It specifies the minimum size of the bedroom, minimum clear space at the end of the bed, minimum turning circle diameter, and that the bedroom should be provided at entry level. These aspects of Universal Design in the bedroom ensures wheelchair users and people with mobility challenges have ample space” to navigate their bedroom space.
Implications for Designers
This checklist can be used alongside the more detailed guidance from the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design to give a well-rounded picture of how to design and create Universal Design housing. It signifies further development and accessibility of tools in the world of Universal Design, as this a practical checklist that can be downloaded and use directly.
By covering all internal spaces in a dwelling, it helps ensure that designers can address accessibility holistically, rather than focusing on one or two rooms. As Universal Design continues to gain recognition, we will continue to see a more accessible and inclusive world for all.
How to incorporate Universal Design?
While Universal Design continues to grow in popularity, we are seeing a rise in guidance and practical documents to help bring its principles to fruition. At OHAC, we are committed to embedding Universal Design principles into everything we do. If you have questions about how to incorporate Universal Design, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].
Source
https://agefriendlyhomes.ie/topics/design-build-information/internal-layouts