How Smart Green Design Creates Universal Design Spaces
Who are we?
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DESIGNABLE ENVIRONMENTS Inc.
Bob Topping
B.Arch., OAA, MRAIC, President of Designable Environments
Thea Kurdi
Dip. Arch-Technologist, Accessibility Specialist
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AgendaIntroduction
Convergence ExamplesThe Site
Green Roofing
Windows
Washrooms
Flooring
User Controls
Conclusion
IntroductionConvergence ExamplesConclusion
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Pressures of Design
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Building owners, developers and architects asked accommodate
• User needs
• Community needs
• Municipality/regulator needs
• Green design
• Accessibility
• Available space and funds
Green Building is Popular
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• Marketplace embracing green design in a BIG way
• Making better choices for the planet; using fewer resources, less energy, and ensuring indoor environmental quality = Better profit margins!
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• Certified Staging Professionals (CSP) International Business Training Academy:92% of people surveyed said “green” features are important when buying a property
Green Building is Popular
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Green Building is Popular
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Green Building is Popular
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Green Building is Popular
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Green Building is Popular
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Green Building is Popular
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eldorado_Business_Tower.jpg
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Green Building is Popular
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Green Building is Popular
Introduction
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Green Building is Popular
Accessibility /Universal Design
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• Where green design used to be – a maturing idea within the design/construction industry
• Awareness increasing / Slowly losing stigma
• Recognize diversity of human abilities across the entire population -various ages, sizes, sensory abilities, language skills, and cognitive abilities.
• Reality of our aging populations
Green Design /Universal Design
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Completely separate concepts?
No obvious relationships?
• The more we look at the requirements for sustainable design, the more convergences and overlaps we see with universal accessibility.
• Largely unrealised opportunity to add value to their buildings
LEED - NC
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LEED - NC
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LEED - NC
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Introduction Convergence ExamplesConclusion
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Convergence Examples
The Site
Green Roofing
Windows
Washrooms
Flooring
User Controls
The Site
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/manfred_schrenk/224667034/
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http://sf.streetsblog.org/2012/04/05/tomorrow-walk-sf-wants-to-hear-about-your-walk-to-work-day/ 25
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23878201@N08/2855643431/ 26
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anabananasplit/4879120225/ 27
http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/why-kids-should-skip-the-school-bus/ 28
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kliefi/2085536945/ 29
Redeveloping Brownfield Sites
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Reusing existing buildings
• Reducing expansion
• Infrastructure costs
Urban intensification strategies
• Locate people close existing amenities
• Increase users for public transitIncrease “walk-ability” improving air quality and health
• Increase urban safety
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Reduces walk/wheel distances• Seniors with stamina limitations• Younger children• People who use mobility aids• Persons carrying groceries/objects
Creative planning/grading strategies• Urban environment simple• Intuitive to use with minimal effort
Redeveloping Brownfield Sites
Green Roofing
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/ramson/5929652944/
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http://www.optigreen.com/
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24056306/ns/business-going_green/t/green-roofs-popping-big-cities/
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http://www.greendiary.com/urban-farming-thrives-with-roof-gardens.html
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Green Roofing
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Replacing some of habitat lost to plants and animals by footprint of the building
• Improving the air quality around a building
Reducing rain water run-off
• Reducing need for rain water run-off and/or city infrastructure
Reducing roof summer heat build-up
• Conserving energy with reduced air conditioning requirements
Green Roofing
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Open to public-use
• Controlled exterior environment at the building
• Amenities close to home – low physical effort
Raised beds• Flowers closer to all users• Deeper soil base for larger plants• Easier to maintain reducing potential
for back strain
Windows
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http://www.smgov.net/Departments/OSE/Categories/Green_Building/Guidelines/Envelope_+_Space_Planning/Daylight___Natural_Air_Flow.aspx 40
http://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/2011/04/26/opening-windows/
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http://architectures.danlockton.co.uk/design-for-sustainable-behaviour/
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http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/inspirational-workspace-creative-setups/
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Windows
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Taller windows
• Maximizing access to daylight
• Reduces required artificial lighting
Operable Windows
• Natural ventilation reducing air conditioning requirements
• Improved air quality
Windows
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Taller windows• Views for seated and standing users• Wayfinding and Well-being
Operable• Improves air quality providing fresh
air• Connection with outside world
Window hardware needs to be low enough to reach and easily operable
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Washrooms
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maryhodder/23918519/
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http://www.sanliv.com/faucets/automatic-faucet 48
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gaspi/47388561/ 49
Washrooms
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Automatic Washroom
Faucets, Urinals and Toilets
Controls temperature
• Reducing energy used
Reduces waste• Reduces water usage• Prevents taps from being left on
Washrooms
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Touch-less WashroomNo fixtures or controls to twist or turn
• Reduced strength or manual dexterity;helps those with Arthritis, amputees, children
Minimizing shared touching surfaces
• Reduces risk of infection;helps those with immunity deficiencies
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Flooring
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59675320@N00/5886011017/ 53
http://www.flickr.com/photos/realcorkfloors/5105304601/ 54
http://www.flickr.com/photos/75901779@N06/6815648817/ 55
http://www.flickr.com/photos/realcorkfloors/5098991489/ 56
http://www.duro-design.com/index.cfm/cork-flooring-installation-photos/263/Kress-Family-Library-Green-Bay-WI/ 57
Flooring
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Cork flooring• Sealed with a low or no-VOC finish
• Natural material produced from a fast growing source that can be made from waste a source
Flooring
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Cork flooringLow friction surface• Easy to walk on or roll acrossCushioning• Safer and easier on knees and jointsAcoustic absorbing qualities• Reduces reverberation and
background noiseLow/No-VOC finish• Preserves air quality
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User Controls
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59328576@N02/5432611105/ 61
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59328576@N02/5432611105/ 62
User Controls
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Automatic sensing lightingReduces energy use
•Lights on only when occupied orNot enough natural daylight
User Controls
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Automatic sensing lightingRemoves space impact•No of path of travel to access and reach controlControl does not need to be seen Easily activated•Standing or seated user•Person with low vision or •Reduced dexterity•Someone who cannot use their hands
Introduction Convergence ExamplesConclusion
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Conclusion:
Opportunities Galore!
Simple and obvious connections• Accessibility can enhanced by carefully
selected green product and material choices.
Complex connections• Design skills from architects and
accessibility consultants to maximize opportunities between green and universal design within their disciplines
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Bob Topping, [email protected]
Thea Kurdi, Architectural [email protected]
DESIGNABLE ENVIRONMENTS Inc.
www.designable.net
It’s just smart design! Thank you!
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