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Plan for Flexibility: Be Proactive

by the WBDG Accessible Committee

Last updated: 09-23-2008

Overview

Photo of seated man talking with boy in wheelchair

During the early stages of developing a building, when the planning, programming, and concept design are being shaped and molded, there may be many goals. An owner may talk about the ultimate design providing a "user-friendly work environment" and "future flexibility." What exactly does this mean? Physically, these concepts are demonstrated with spaces that can be easily modified and that can serve a variety of purposes for a diverse group of users. See also WBDG Productive and WBDG Functional.

Flexible design principles include spaces that:

Flexibility in accessible design manifests in the concepts of Universal Design and Visit-Ability described below.

Universal Design and Visit-Ability

Photo of Student Union, University of Arizona-Tucson, AZ

This grade level building entrance utilizes universal design principles. Student Union, University of Arizona—Tucson, AZ

In accessible design, "flexibility" manifests in the concepts of Universal Design and Visit-Ability described below.

Universal Design advocates addressing human needs within the mainstream of building and product design. Many of the design features that are user-friendly and flexible are simply good design practices, rather than requirements of a building code or accessibility standard or guideline. According to the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University, the intent of universal design is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal Design benefits people of all ages and abilities.

As such, one should note that providing Universal Design features in a building does not necessarily mean that one has complied with the legal and regulatory accessibility criteria, including those contained in the UFAS and ADAAG. These ideas must not be used interchangeably. Universal design concepts developed over the years promote environments, building components, and features designed to be "usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation, specialized design, or significant additional cost." (Mace)

Carnegie Mellon University building

The campus master plan at Carnegie Mellon University incorporates the principle that "All improvements to the physical environment shall adhere to the concept of universal design."

The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University defines Universal Design principles to include:

©1997 NC State University, The Center for Universal Design

These seven principles may be applied to evaluate existing designs; guide the design process; and educate both designers and consumers about the characteristics of more usable products and environments.

The Center for Universal Design provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website.

Visit-Ability

Visit-Ability, a movement started by Atlanta-based Concrete Change, refers to including basic barrier-free features in single-family homes so that they can be visited by relatives, friends, and others who may have disabilities. Visitors with a disability can enter the home through an accessible entrance on an accessible route; easily negotiate spaces and hallways; and enter and use the bathroom. A visit-able home includes a zero-step entry, 32-inch clear width at user passage doors, and a bathroom or powder room on the entrance level. Routes through visit-able homes should also be a minimum of 36 inches wide.

An Additional Benefit of Flexibility: Life-Cycle Cost-Effectiveness

Studies have shown that the additional cost of providing many accessible features in new construction is minimal when compared to adding accessible features during alterations to existing construction. Features and systems that contribute to greater usability in the future should be integrated into the design at the onset of the project. For example, according to Concrete Change, on average and depending on the type of foundation, it costs approximately $150 extra for a zero-step entrance when it is included at the time of design and construction. Modifications to achieve a zero-step entry to an existing home could cost at least $1,000 or more.

Design and analysis tools, such as ADA Design Assistant and CodeBuddy Version 5.0 Accessibility can be used during the design process to evaluate the benefits of providing accessible design features and products. See also WBDG Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA).

Relevant Codes and Standards

Major Resources

The major resource for guidance on accessible design is the U.S. Access Board (Access Board). The Access Board is an independent federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. Key responsibilities of the Board include developing and maintaining accessibility requirements for the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and electronic and information technology; providing technical assistance and training on these guidelines and standards; and enforcing accessibility standards for federally funded facilities. For additional resources, see the Access Board's Links Page.

WBDG

Design Objectives

Cost-Effective, Functional / Operational—Account for Functional Needs, Historic—Comply with Accessibility Requirements, Productive—Integrate Technological Tools, Productive—Design for the Changing Workplace, Sustainable

Organizations and Associations

Federal Agencies

Publications

Related Resource Pages
View Resource Page Index
WBDG Services Construction Criteria Base