3 Important Aspects Of Universal Design: CAD Architectural Design Services (Continued..3)

Reputed providers of CAD architectural design services like The AEC Associates constantly strive hard to produce functionally efficient and aesthetically breathtaking buildings/ facilities for their clients and communities. However, a large section of the society, people with special needs, would find it difficult to use these buildings/ facilities, and consequently, cannot lead a normal life if CAD architectural design services professionals fail to make them equally accessible for all with special provisions.

We have been discussing the concept of Universal Design that emphasizes on making the living/ built environment accessible and easy to use for every individual irrespective of their disability, physical condition or age. We continue to discuss some more important aspects of the concept here.

• Building exterior

Your first point of contact while visiting a building, public or private, comes in the form of the building exterior, mainly the approach and the entrance. An architect must necessarily make the approach as well as the entrance accessible, safe  and convenient for all people, including those with physical disabilities or frailties. Building entrances should be provided with steps with handrails and ramps with proper slopes to make it easy and convenient for people with special needs. Glass doors at the entrance should be avoided, they look magnificent but often cause confusions for the wheelchair bound or low vision people.

• Building interiors

If not given enough consideration by CAD architectural design services, building interiors could present several obstacles, challenges or even hazards for the disabled, sick and elderly people. The designers must take care of these aspects and make arrangements to make life easy and safe for these people. Some of the essentials include stairs with low risers and double handrails at all places and gentle sloping ramps which would allow these people to climb without any difficulty. Similarly, the elevators should have low-height panels with braille markings and sound system to make it easier for the visually impaired.

Special provisions should be made in the toilets, rooms and other areas to make everyone’s visit or stay a pleasant one. Designers must avoid features that could pose hazards or obstacles for wheelchair bound, elderly or disabled persons or even small children in order to make buildings accessible for all.

The concept of Universal Design advocates creation of fully accessible buildings/ facilities by the providers of CAD architectural design services in order to make life easy and productive for all sections of the society, including those with special needs. Taking care of these important aspects can enable designers to achieve this objective.