Spatial Well-Being

Interior Designers work to provide for the…

Health, welfare, and safety of all occupants

Special Populations

Children, aging, homeless, mentally ill, abused, chemically dependent, visually/hearing impaired, cultural groups, imprisoned, motion impaired

Visually Impaired

Tactile and auditory warning and communication systems (braille, audible signals, consistent methods), eliminate projecting objects, rounded corners

Hearing Impaired

Materials to reduce reverberation and improve acoustics, good lighting for decoding and lip reading, natural lighting, semi-circle or U-shaped furniture, wide passage ways

Olfaction- Smell and Taste

Work in tandem to interpret and provide emotional and physiological responses. Smell connects to taste, helps with wayfinding, and warns of fire. These sensations link regions of the brain related to memory or emotion. “Scent Branding”

Touch- Tactility

Works with sight to interpret texture, the presence of multiple textures creates variety, sensation of warmth or cold, natural textures increase productivity, memory, and creativity, immediate aesthetic and perception of luxury

Universal Design

Design solutions that are usable by ALL PEOPLE, WITHOUT adaptation, the aim is NOT to draw attention to the disabled user, defined by the Center for Universal Design (but not law), lifespan design, accommodates all, products subservient to people

Equitable Use

Design is useful and marketable to people with diverse disabilities. EX: lever door handles, not knobs

Flexibility in Use

Design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. EX: kitchen appliances at alternate heights

Simple and Intuitive Use

Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, language, and skills. EX: touch screen devices

Perceptible Information

The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities. EX: audible and visual signaling for alarms, using color and pattern changes to indicate floor level

Tolerance for Error

The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. EX: touch-free toilets or paper towel dispensers

Low Physical Effort

The design can be used efficiently and comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue. EX: lever door and faucet handles, easy push door

Size and Space for Approach and Use

Space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the users body size, posture, or mobility

Designing for an Aging Population

Independence is a key factor, value and esteem the elderly, practical considerations, enable aging in place

Accessible Design and the ADA

A design process where the needs of people with disabilities are specifically considered. The result is a design solution that can be independently used by people with a variety of physical limitations. Accessible design is a federal civil rights law in the US defined by the ADA. Title 3 of the ADA: public accommodations and commercial facilities concern the interior designer

Who is protected under the ADA?

And individual in the US who has limited function for daily life activities. Walking, hearing, seeing, use of hands. “barrier-free” design

ADA Exceptions to the Law

Structures built before 1990 do not need to be demolished, but must be modified if any secondary renovations are considered. Historic sites do NOT get a free ride; they must make serious attempts to provide access to all people, or by making an equal alernative

WELL Building Institute

An institute and rating system that looks at how the built environment impacts people’s health. Establishes building standards that foster healthier interior environments. Goal is to improve people’s moods, sleep quality, nutrition, physical fitness, and work performance

Seven Categories Related to Human Health

Air, water, nourishment, light, comfort, mind, fitness

Thinking Globally About Design

The world is very interconnected. Understand that culture influences people, building techniques, and techniques vary, anticipating and respondning to new design trends around the globe