|
As you plan your new kitchen, consider how you can incorporate the
common-sense principles of so-called universal design. Universal design takes
its name from its all-ages, all-abilities approach to space planning.
The basic idea is that if you build or remodel your kitchen with universal
design principles in mind, you can ensure that anyone who ties on an apron will
be able to comfortably and safely whip up dessert or wash the dishes. Universal
design guidelines can make the kitchen more practical for your kids after
school, for your elderly in-laws at holiday dinners, for a loved one who
requires wheelchair accessibility, or for yourself as you grow older and your
own physical needs change.
The guidelines go beyond accessible housing rules that have gotten a bad rap
over the years for their often clinical, institutional elements, such as grab
bars. Universal design principles not only consider accessibility but also
style and what will benefit the most people, regardless of age or physical
health.
For example, magnetic touch-and-release cabinet doors make access easy for
arthritic hands or for those of a 12-year-old without sacrificing creative design.
Universal design also aims to eliminate the expense and hassle of constantly
adapting your home to your changing needs.
As you read through the general principles of universal design and how they can
be applied to kitchens, you’ll probably start thinking that the recommendations
sound like plain old common sense. That’s the point. Don’t leave common sense
out of your kitchen design!
And, if you do have special needs, such as wheelchair accessibility or extra
lighting, realize that you can meet those needs and still cook and entertain in
a stylish and beautiful space.
Universal Design: General Principles
1. Equitable Use: The design is useful and marketable to people with
diverse abilities.
2. Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of
individual preferences and abilities.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand,
regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current
concentration level.
4. Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary
information effectively to the user, regardless of walking ability or the
user’s sight and hearing abilities.
5. Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse
consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
6. Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and
comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space is
provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user’s
body size, posture, or mobility.
Source: Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University
Universal Design: Kitchen Cabinet Checklist
-
Use undercabinet lighting so
you can see better when you’re working on your countertops.
-
Use a rolling server cart that
coordinates with the cabinets to bring food to the table, dirty dishes to
the sink, or groceries to the refrigerator.
-
Reinforce the hardware inside
lower cabinet doors and drawers in case they are leaned on for support.
-
Make items stored in cabinets
easier to reach with sliding drawers, rollout shelves, and lazy susans.
-
Store items close to the work
area where they will be used.
-
Choose cabinet and drawer
pulls large enough to grip with the entire hand.
-
Make the toe or kick spaces at
the bottom of base cabinets high enough to accommodate wheelchair users.
|
