There is nothing like the buzz that starts happening when major media outlets pick up on Universal Design. Here it's the Washington Post and Roger Lewis.
Here is a note at MediaBistro.com on the fickle fame of Universal Design so far this week. See Back to Richard K. Lewis and Living Life with Design
Although in his article Richard Lewis uses the unfortunate descriptor "wheelchair-bound architect" to describe Universal Design's founder Ron Mace and does not appear to recognize the difference between the terms "handicapped" and "disabled" he compensates by being of the few popularizers who informs his readers of the seven principles. He also explains:
But universal design also is a bit of a critique of the ADA 's focus on only the needs of a specific population, the physically handicapped. Advocates of universal design instead propose that, to be truly universal, we should shape environments to fit a much broader population, including the disabled.Although the distinction between the ADA and universal design may seem subtle, it nevertheless leads to different ways of thinking about design, to new principles and outcomes. The Center for Universal Design has laid out what it considers the key principles.
For the entire article read, In Universal Design, Comfort and Function for All.
Posted by rollingrains at March 20, 2007 12:21 AM