Replies

1. 
   sunstone | Feb 12, 2011 10:47pm | #1

   what is universal design?

2. 
   dankolbert | Feb 12, 2011 10:59pm | #2

   I think it's an excellent question. It's not discussed enough. We're trying to find ways to incorporate UD into our work more, and the connections to this forum are, or should be, obvious. We need to find better, more creative ways to make homes accessible to occupants at various stages of life.

3. 
   bdrfab | Feb 12, 2011 11:08pm | #3

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_design

   IMHO building a house that can grow old with a client with out needing major modification if the need arises is a sound idea and part of the entire package of building a good home. I may be able bodied now, but I could also be in an accident tomorrow and never walk. That's why this summer when I replaced my front entrance there is now no step. I also think there is great value in making a home work as intuitively as possible. The sad truth, in my experience, is that the more complicated, or more maintenance it takes to keep something working effectively, the less likely people are to do it. Again, if this is not the place, I'll be happy to keep my thoughts to myself, just curious where others think this lies in the "green" conversation

4. Expert Member
   ARMANDO COBO | Feb 13, 2011 09:50am | #4

   Aaron,
   It’s a great question. Every house I’ve designed in the last decade has universal design criteria incorporated in it. We calculated the average cost of a new 2,000 sq. ft. house was about $250.00 more, so there is no reason NOT to do it. Though the years I developed a list the City of Albuquerque, Santa Fe and the Santa Fe HBA have adopted. You are welcome to use it as well: http://cobodesigner.com/universal-design/

5. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Jun 13, 2014 07:56am | #5

   Aaron,
   For more information on this topic, see Universal Design.