Housing and Human Needs

Interior Design IChapter 1.2 Notes

Learning Targets

I can define housing and briefly describe how it has evolved.

I can analyze the basic physical and psychological needs that housing satisfies.

I can compare and contrast housing needs among people of different ages and life stages.

I can assess the importance of building homes that follow the concept of universal design.

Vocabulary

Adaptable Design Archaeologist Barrier-Free Design Housing Lifestyles Nomads Physical Needs Psychological Needs Universal Design

Physical Needs

Physical needs include all the things the body needs to survive: air, sunlight, shelter, sleep and food.

Shelter (from nature’s elements)Sleep (comfort)Food (to prepare and eat)Safety and Security (from those who

might harm or steal)

Need for safety…

Form first towns and villages Shelters into cliffs Pioneers built stockades Log-walled enclosures

Today… Fences Install locks Neighborhood watches

Psychological Needs

Needs related to thoughts, feelings and emotions

Love and belongingIdentityCreativity

Housing and Individual Needs (handout)

Special Housing NeedsWhy has housing been modified?

Elderly (increase in older population)

People with disabilities (wanting independence and comfort)

Universal Design-- Designing interiors and products to accommodate all people with a variety of requirements, needs, and abilities.

Barrier-free Design– Living spaces are designed without structures that would prevent access by people with special needs.

Adaptable Design– Design features that are temporary and can be easily changed. (Ex. Temporary ramp/cabinets that can be removed when the tenant moves out)

UNIVERSAL DESIGN “Too often older or disabled people live limited lives or

give up theirhomes and neighborhoods prematurely because standard

housing ofthe past cannot meet their needs. While a truly universally

usable houseis a goal for the future, many features in houses today

already are oreasily can be made universally usable. The universal

design conceptincreases the supply of usable housing by including

universal features inas many houses as possible, and allows people to remain

in their homes as long as they like”

R o n a l d L . Ma c e , FA I A

Architect and Product Designer

UNIVERSAL DESIGN – a definition

The intent of the universal design concept is to simplify life for everyone

by making more housing usable by more people at little or no extra cost.

Universal design is an approach to design that:

• incorporates products as well as building features and elements

• universal design concept targets all people of all ages, sizes, and abilities and is applied to all buildings

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

What is a universal feature? • Any component of a house that can

be used by everyone regardless of their level of ability or disability.

• Universal features are generally standard building products or features that have been placed differently, selected carefully, or omitted.

Entrance Features Structural

• Accessible route from vehicle drop-off or parking places

• Covered entry

• Full-length side window at entry door

• Minimum maneuvering space of 5x5

Non-Structural

• Package shelf or bench to hold parcels, groceries, and other items

• Movement-sensor light controls

• Ambient and focused lighting (at keyhole)

• High visible address numbers

BENEFITS OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN Entrance Features

Level and accessible entrances

Covered entries

Full-length side window at entry door

EXTERIORRather than steps, use a

ground-level entrance or a ramp with non-skid surface.

The ramp should be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or baby stroller easily with turn-around space.

Provide secure handrails for both ramps and stairways.

INTERIOR Wide doorways, hallways and space

within each room accommodate someone who uses a wheelchair, walker or crutches. Thresholds should be flush with the floor.

Light switches and electrical outlets should be mounted at levels easily accessed from a wheelchair as for people of different heights. They should also contrast with the wall for better visibility.

INTERIOR Lever-type doorknobs are easier for

children and people with arthritis to use than round ones, yet they cause no inconvenience for others.

Built-in flexibility is another way to achieve universal design. Instead of having a fixed shelf and rod, a closet can include adjustable shelving units that are easy to adapt to the individual.

General Interior FeaturesStructural 32-inch minimum clear door-opening Flush threshold (maximum of 1/2 –

inch rise) Light switches at 48-inch maximum

height Crank-operated (casement) windows Minimum maneuvering space of 5x5

foot

Non-Structural Maximum force of 5 pounds to open

doors Loop-handles pulls on drawers and

cabinets High-contrast, glare-free floor

surfaces and trim

BENEFITS OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN General Interior Features

Minimum door opening of 32 inches

Lever-style door handles Adjustable-height closet

rods Tall windows placed low

on the wall Electrical receptacles 18

inches from the floor

Kitchen FeaturesStructural • Lever-type faucets • Variable-height work surfaces• Knee space under sink and near cook top• Full-height pantry cabinets for up and down storage• Stretches of continuous counter for sliding heavy objects

Non-Structural • Pull-out shelves in base cabinets • Full-extension pull-out drawers • Adjustable-height shelves in wall cabinets • Contrasting border treatment on countertops

BENEFITS OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN Kitchen Features

Knee space under sink and cook top

Lever-type water controls Variable-height work surfaces Contrasting borders on

countertops Pull-out shelves in cabinets Pantry cabinet with full-length

shelves

Bathroom FeaturesStructural Mirror to backsplash at sink Toilet centered 18 inches

from side wall Grab bar in walls around

toilet Knee space under sink Off-set controls in tub or

shower Built-in transfer seat in tub

or shower

Non-Structural Adjustable-height shower

head Grab bars in tub or shower Level type faucets

BENEFITS OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN Bathroom Features

Adjustable-height shower head

Grab bars in tub or shower

Over-sink mirror extending down to backsplash

UNIVERSAL DESIGN – Demonstration Home

Landscape

1st Floor

2nd Floor

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

“The universal design concept considers those changes that are experienced by everyone as they grow from infancy to

old age. Problems related to temporary or permanent disabilities are incorporated

into the concept as well. Because all groups are placed within the context of

normal expectations of the human condition, trying to justify the importance

of each vulnerable population group becomes unnecessary.”

Leon A. Pastalan, Ph.D. Gerontologist and Urban Planner

UNIVERSAL DESIGN – Rationale

Living spaces have long been designed for use by one “average” physical type – young, fit, male, and adult. The fact is that only some of us fit

that description, and none of us can be described that way for a lifetime.

Group Work! Brainstorm a list of those people who don’t fit the “average”

physical type. Utilize white butcher paper and markers.

Population is Changing Building & Design Industries Have Responded

Universal Design SUCCEEDS because it goes beyond specialization!

Universal Design benefits ALL people…with/without “special needs”

Families having changing needs

Fits people with a variety of physical requirements and abilities.

Reduces need to adapt homes to meet these changes.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN“The overwhelming preference of older persons isto age in place; that is, to remain in their homesas they grow older. It is essential that residences

be designed to be safe, comfortable, and accommodating

to persons of all ages but particularlyto those who are faced with diminishing physical

abilities which make daily domestic routines difficult

to manage. Universal design is a concept thatwill enable older people to remain in their homes

as they would wish”

Cyril F. BrickfieldFormer Executive Director of AARP

UNIVERSAL DESIGN – Simple Changes to an Already Existing Home

Install handrails on both sides of all steps (inside and outside) Secure all carpets and area rugs with double-sided tape Install easy to grasp shaped handles for all drawers and cabinet

doors Use brighter bulbs in all settings Install nightlights in all areas of night activity Add reflective, non-slip tape on all non-carpeted stairs Install lever handles for all doors Place a bench near entrances for setting down purchases and

resting Install closet lights, as well as adjustable rods and shelves Install rocker light switches; consider illuminated ones in select

areas

UNIVERSAL DESIGN – A Low Cost Solution

Many universal features are no-cost options Others are low-cost solutions that can become no-cost

with widespread use In our society, mass production is used to keep costs

low and to produce products that are widely marketable Because universally designed products make as little as

possible “special” Make as much as possible “standard” Mass producing design that is both usable and attractive

to everyone

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

“Today’s architects address the life cycle ofbuildings. It is time that they began to

address the life cycle of people as well. Universal

design is considerate of the human lifespan and

the continuum of abilities of all individuals.”

Ruth Hall Lusher, D. Arch. Candidate

Find three examples where Universal Design is not used. Paste the examples on a sheet of paper and tell me what could be different about the room to achieve Universal Design.

Self- Actualization

Esteem

Love and Acceptance

Security

Physical needs

Physical Needs

Your physical needs, such as food, water, shelter, and clothing must be at least partially satisfied before you can think about anything else.

Security

Next, you need to feel safe in your surroundings and know what to expect. You need protection from physical harm and economic disaster.

Love and Acceptance

At this point, you want to gain affection. You need to be praised and accepted by

others. A small failure can make you feel rejected

as a person. You need much support, assurance, and

personal warmth.

Esteem

Not only do you want to be liked, but you also want to be respected. In this way, you gain confidence and feel necessary in the world.

Self-Actualization To reach this level, all other needs

must be fulfilled to some degree. You feel a need to develop your full potential.

You learn because you want to be a “well-rounded” person. You have pride and self-respect.

You can show individuality despite social pressures. You have your own opinions and are able to express them.

Challenges for Tomorrow

#1 Designing and building usable housing to meet a variety of needs.

#2 Find ways to make better housing available to low-and middle-income people and to improve the social environment

#3 Conserve energy and natural resources.

*Every year in the U.S., homes account for more than 30 percent of the total energy consumption and produce nearly 20 percent of all air pollution missions.

The Future of Housing???