Future Housing Now: The Next Generation Universal Home
By Pace, Rex J.; Center for Universal DesignPublication Date: 2008
Article describes the “Next Generation Universal Home,” a joint project of North Carolina State University’s Center for Universal Design and The Wall Street Journal. The project was launched after The Wall Street Journal sought the Center’s assistance to define “the house of the future.” The resulting house was conceived as a holistic environment designed, not for specific users, but for everyone. Typical American house designs were used as models to demonstrate that universal concepts can be effective in popular home styles. Features included in the home include level entrances, reinforced walls for grab bars, and height-adjustable countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms. Also included are bathing spaces that allow standing, sitting, and reclining methods of use. A first-floor master bedroom and bath included in the design can be used as a suite for care of an elderly family member. The two-story home provides invisible options for efficient modifications to gain access to its second floor: the stairway is designed to accommodate the installation of either a chair or platform lift; and the house contains, in its center, stacking storage closets with removable floors which, when removed, expose an elevator shaft.
Published by: Center for Universal Design (Website:http://ncsudesign.org/)
Link to text: http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/projserv_ps/projects/psnextgen.htm
