OT and ArchitectureShelley Hume and Hayley Kermond

Objectives

● What is architecture? ● Design history● Universal design principles● Legislation & policies● Home modifications ● Why OT’s are perfect for architecture● Employment ● Ways to upskill

Architecture

Architecture: “The art or practice of designing and constructing buildings” - Oxford Dictionary

(http://www.giantbomb.com; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal)

“A person’s participation and function is dependent on a dynamic interaction between the person and their environment” - ICF 2007

(WHO, 2007a)

Design History

Societal

Temporal

Physical

Universal

Adaptable

Accessible

Purpose Built

Social Model of Disability

Medical Model of Disability

Commonality of need

Changing needs over

time

Different needs

(Ainsworth & de Jonge, 2006)

Universal Design

Universal design is the design of products and environments that can be used and experienced by people of all ages and abilities to the greatest extent possible, without adaptations.

(Iwarsson & Stahl, 2003; http://mile.mmu.edu.my/)

Universal Design Principles

1. Equitable Use

e.g. Benches of varying heights

2. Flexibility in Use

e.g. an ATM that has visual, audio and tactile feedback

3. Simple and Intuitive Use

e.g. motion sensor taps

4. Perceptible Information

e.g. an instruction manual with picture instructions instead of text

5. Tolerance for Error

e.g. temperature controlled water

6. Low Physical Effort

e.g. Automatic doors

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

e.g. Wide entrances, hallways and doorways

(Follette, 1998)

OT’s working in Architecture

1. Dual qualification

2. Collaborate with Architects

3. Advocacy

(Access Homes, 2014; OT Dynamics, 2014 O’ Brien Harrop Access, 2014)

OT’s working in Architecture

● Access Homes● OT Dynamics● O’Brien Harrop Access● Designable Environments

http://www.accesshomes.com.au/content/builders http://www.otdynamics.com.au/services/ http://www.designable.net/people.php http://www.ohaccess.com.au/

What OT’s bring to Architectural Design

Knowledge of:● Home

modifications● Funding available● Assistive

technology● Conditions &

illness● The natural aging

process

We also have:● Skills in advocacy ● A holistic view● The ability to identify

barriers and enablers ● A practical

framework to consider PEO fit over the lifespan

(Ainsworth & de Jonge, 2006)

ActivityUse your OT lense to

identify the Universal Design Principles

Video

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yINSxTduC6A; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b55FK9_IHKU)

Universal Design - Home

(http://accessiblerentals.us/?page_id=8)

Universal Design - Home

(http://www.proremodeler.com)

Universal Design - Community

(http://www.katieandfriends.org/page/2/)

Impact on Clients

● Cost effective● Aesthetically pleasing● Increases independence● Ability to stay in the home longer● Improves occupational performance

(Zavotka, Teaford & Douglas, 2006)

Legislation & Policies

Australian Standards - AS1428, AS4299

Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA)

Building Code of Australia 2011 (BCA)

Home Modifications

Universal design principles can be used when implementing home modifications;

● Useful to all members of the household.● Aesthetically pleasing.● Suit the clients needs now, and the future.

(Ainsworth & de Jonge, 2006)

OT Process

Case Study

You are an OT consulting for a building company who are currently designing a retirement village in Hervey Bay. They have employed you to consult on this project.

1. Consider key factors influencing your recommendations.

2. Give examples of the design principles within your recommendations.

Future Avenues for OT and Architecture

● Private practice● Homes● Schools● Workplaces● Playgrounds● Universities● Advocacy for legislation and policies

(Iwarsson & Stahl, 2003)

Upskilling

CPD handout available via Occ402 Blackboard. Workshops available for;● Home modifications● Universal Design● Ergonomics● Environmental Set up

Conclusion

Impact on occupational therapy practice;● Increases job opportunities● Avenue into private practice● Pioneering social change● Position to advocate for policy change

(Ainsworth & de Jonge, 2006; Iwarrson & Stahl, 2003)

Questions?

ReferencesAccess Homes. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.accesshomes.com.au/content/builders Ainsworth, E. & de Jonge, D. (2006). Architectural design influences. Paper - International Conference on Aging, Disability and Independence, Florida, USADesignable Environments. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.designable.net/people.php Follette, M. S. (1998). Maximising usability:The principles of universal design. Assistive Technology: The Official Journal of RESNA, 10(1), 4-12. doi: 10.1080/10400435.1998.10131955Iwarsson, S., & Stahl, A. (2003). Accessibility, usability and universal design-positioning and definition of concepts describing person-environment relationships. Disability and Rehabilitation, 25(2), 57-66. doi:10.1080/0963828021000007969O’Brien Harrop Access. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.ohaccess.com.au/OT Dynamics. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.otdynamics.com.au/services/ Polatajko, H. E., Craik, J., David, J., & Townsend, E. A. (2007). Canadian Practice Process Framework in E. A. Townsend & H. J. Polatajko, Enabling Occupation II: Advancing an occupational therapy vision for health, well-being & justice through occupation.p.233, Ottawa ON: CAOT Publications ACE. World Health Organization . ( 2001 ). ICF; international classifi cation of functioning, disability and health . Geneva, Switzerland : Author .Zavotka, S., Teaford, M., & Douglas, E. (2006). Aging, disability, and fraility: Implications for universal design. Journal of physiological anthropology, 23(1), 113-118. doi:102114/jpa2.25.113