At The Universal Design Project, we believe that there should be a surplus of functional and affordable homes in all communities so people aren’t left struggling to live their life to the fullest because their home wasn’t designed for their needs.
According to the 2011 American Housing Survey, the median year in which homes were built was in 1974. That makes the average home now in 2020, 46 years old!
Data: U.S. Census Bureau
Consider This
Think about the types of homes that were around in the 1970s and before. Split levels were gaining popularity and there were lots of one-level ranch style homes making their way into new neighborhoods.
We also have to take into account the homes built in the early-to-mid-1900s that have good structural bones and continue to be renovated to entice new buyers.
The idea that someone with a disability might live in these homes wasn’t at the forefront of the design and building professionals’ minds when they were built. This means we are working with a housing stock that’s not easy to modify for accessibility. Granted, ranch style homes have more potential due to the fact that they are on one level, but split-level homes present a lot of challenges for those who need better access due to decreased mobility. Other common home styles have living areas on the main floor and bedrooms on the upper level creating an unfortunate situation for those who need to figure out how to make changes to live safely.
Future Thinking
There is a current push in many communities to provide adequate housing to families that experience a disability whether it’s through renovation or new construction. If we know it’s more difficult to renovate homes for accessibility based on our current housing stock, why not start designing and building new homes for people of all abilities to use?
Disability doesn’t discriminate and we can start now by building up a housing stock that’s universally accessible. We have a wonderful opportunity to provide for future generations right now.
If this sounds logical to you, click here if you’re interested in helping us with home designs to make that a reality.
I am an expert in the field of universal design and accessible housing, with a profound understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in their living spaces. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, practical experience, and a commitment to promoting inclusivity in housing design. As someone deeply immersed in this field, I can provide insights into the concepts discussed in the article from The Universal Design Project.
The article emphasizes the need for functional and affordable homes that cater to the diverse needs of individuals in all communities. To validate this claim, the article refers to the 2011 American Housing Survey, highlighting that the median year homes were built was in 1974. This statistic is crucial in understanding the age of the current housing stock, setting the stage for the challenges faced by those with accessibility needs.
The discussion then delves into the architectural landscape of the 1970s and earlier, noting the prevalence of split-level and ranch-style homes. Importantly, it underscores that the design of these homes did not prioritize accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The author recognizes the difficulty of modifying these older homes to meet modern accessibility standards, particularly for those with decreased mobility.
The concept of "Future Thinking" is introduced, advocating for a proactive approach to address the housing needs of individuals with disabilities. The article suggests a shift toward designing and constructing new homes with universal accessibility in mind. This forward-thinking perspective is grounded in the acknowledgment that retrofitting existing homes poses challenges, and therefore, a strategic focus on new construction is necessary.
The call to action encourages individuals to contribute to this vision by getting involved in home design projects aimed at creating universally accessible housing. The article emphasizes that disability doesn't discriminate and calls for a collective effort to build a housing stock that caters to people of all abilities.
In summary, the article navigates through the historical context of housing design, the challenges posed by existing housing stock, and advocates for a proactive and inclusive approach to future home construction. It aligns with the principles of universal design and emphasizes the importance of creating living spaces that empower individuals of all abilities to live their lives to the fullest.
