Accessible Design Codes are Adequate
American’s with Disabilities Act of 1990 was put into place to allow users of a space to adequately maneuver a space. There are numerous laws and codes put into place to allow most individuals to enter and maneuver a space. While some individuals might have to go out of their way or move to another area of the interior to utilize a space, it is not often enough to redesign and implement laws that are not necessary. Universal design is too expensive, not aesthetically pleasing, requires too much space, and ADA laws are adequate, therefore universal design should not be implemented as law.
Universal design is simply too expensive. Implementing universal design will simply cost too much to implement in all …show more content…
While the ultimate goal would be to implement universal design in every building, home, park, and other public places, it is not feasible due specifically size and cost. However, a few elements added into every building, the overwhelming majority of individuals in the United States would have easy access to all public and private spaces. Implementing universal design will have to require the “rethinking” of the interior design industry (Crews & Zavotka, 2006, p. 116). Some of the things that will have to be adapted are standard sizes and design of homes, builders will have to broaden their horizons, manufacturers will have to discontinue old products and introduce new products. None of these are necessarily bad things (Crews & Zavotka, 2006, p. 116-117). At a minimum on the exterior, there needs to be a ramp directly next to entrance stairs of all buildings, an elevator at the center of buildings, and all buildings need to be equipped with automatic door buttons to allow for easy entrance. Instead of the universal design space of five-feet that is needed, four-feet should be sufficient but also enough of an increase to make a …show more content…
Buildings that are already built will be “grandfathered” in and will not have to adopt the new codes. However, every single new building that is built will have to adhere to the compromised new codes. It will cost marginally more to build new buildings with the new codes; however, it will be worth it to create a significantly more inclusive space. The implementation of the new codes will affect many people. The business owners, designers, and contractors will be affected, but it will also affect all patrons of the incorporated public spaces. The added space will benefit a person with disabilities, seniors, individuals who have difficulty maneuvering spaces, parents, and anyone who is carrying a significant amount of items in their hands. The obvious downfall of this solution is that it will require more start-up costs provided by investors and business owners. As stated, it will be marginal and is expected to be compensated in new clientele, customers, and visitors.
Conclusion
Universal design is imperative for not only the well-being of individuals but also to the society as a whole. On the occasion that all individuals can come together in the same space, different opinions, ideas, thoughts, and talents can come together and create a better society. ADA was an important step in the 1990s; however, universal design is where the attention of designers and architects need to be directed. While both sides of implementing
American’s with Disabilities Act of 1990 was put into place to allow users of a space to adequately maneuver a space. There are numerous laws and codes put into place to allow most individuals to enter and maneuver a space. While some individuals might have to go out of their way or move to another area of the interior to utilize a space, it is not often enough to redesign and implement laws that are not necessary. Universal design is too expensive, not aesthetically pleasing, requires too much space, and ADA laws are adequate, therefore universal design should not be implemented as law.
Universal design is simply too expensive. Implementing universal design will simply cost too much to implement in all …show more content…
While the ultimate goal would be to implement universal design in every building, home, park, and other public places, it is not feasible due specifically size and cost. However, a few elements added into every building, the overwhelming majority of individuals in the United States would have easy access to all public and private spaces. Implementing universal design will have to require the “rethinking” of the interior design industry (Crews & Zavotka, 2006, p. 116). Some of the things that will have to be adapted are standard sizes and design of homes, builders will have to broaden their horizons, manufacturers will have to discontinue old products and introduce new products. None of these are necessarily bad things (Crews & Zavotka, 2006, p. 116-117). At a minimum on the exterior, there needs to be a ramp directly next to entrance stairs of all buildings, an elevator at the center of buildings, and all buildings need to be equipped with automatic door buttons to allow for easy entrance. Instead of the universal design space of five-feet that is needed, four-feet should be sufficient but also enough of an increase to make a …show more content…
Buildings that are already built will be “grandfathered” in and will not have to adopt the new codes. However, every single new building that is built will have to adhere to the compromised new codes. It will cost marginally more to build new buildings with the new codes; however, it will be worth it to create a significantly more inclusive space. The implementation of the new codes will affect many people. The business owners, designers, and contractors will be affected, but it will also affect all patrons of the incorporated public spaces. The added space will benefit a person with disabilities, seniors, individuals who have difficulty maneuvering spaces, parents, and anyone who is carrying a significant amount of items in their hands. The obvious downfall of this solution is that it will require more start-up costs provided by investors and business owners. As stated, it will be marginal and is expected to be compensated in new clientele, customers, and visitors.
Conclusion
Universal design is imperative for not only the well-being of individuals but also to the society as a whole. On the occasion that all individuals can come together in the same space, different opinions, ideas, thoughts, and talents can come together and create a better society. ADA was an important step in the 1990s; however, universal design is where the attention of designers and architects need to be directed. While both sides of implementing