Inclusive Design Apartment

Design Concept Statement:

The intended functional requirement for my client is an inclusive design. This means that the space can be seamlessly used by all user groups regardless of their needs. Hence, the main objective of this inclusive design will be to make the spaces as barrier-free and convenient to use as possible. More specifically, this means that the design is flexible, equitable, intuitive, tolerant, efficient and effective. This design will recognize that solutions that work for people with a disability will also work for people in diverse circumstances, as will be the case as my client gets older. My clients are an ageing couple who are looking for a place to retire, so it needs to be an accessible/inclusive home. They prioritize a shared kitchen/living so that they can spend time with each other and their guests when they’re over, so these spaces will need to be interconnected. There are seven guiding principles that I will be looking to integrate into my design for my client. These are: equitable use (provide the same means of use for all users); flexibility in use (design accommodates a range of individual preferences and abilities); simple and intuitive (design is easy to understand); perceptible information (design communicates necessary information effectively for user); tolerance for error (design minimizes hazards and errors); low physical effort (design can be used efficiently and comfortably with minimum fatigue); and size and space for approach and use (appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach and use regardless of body size, posture and mobility)