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Accessibility and Universal Design in the Landscape

February 28, 2012 by Dave Marciniak 2 Comments

When I was studying interior design I was fascinated by universal design. While I don’t trust Wikipedia for everything, their definition nails it:

Universal design refers to broad-spectrum ideas meant to produce buildings, products, and environments that are inherently accessible to both people without disabilities and people with disabilities.

I think universal design is brilliant. Well-done universal design functions well for everyone, and in many cases it’s accessible to everyone without looking institutional. Examples of this inside the home would be showers that look like any other high-end bathroom but can accommodate a wheelchair, or grab bars that match the home’s decor. We can carry these same ideas to the outside.

Keeping paths as level or as gently inclined as possible is one way of making them accessible to as many people as possible. The Americans with Disabilities Act has some good guidelines for this sort of thing, as it’s based on lots of research into what people can comfortably navigate. We can also make these surfaces ADA compliant, allowing wheelchairs to easily roll across them. Asphalt is good, gravel is bad. But what if asphalt isn’t the look we want?

Source: Cell-Tek's company site

There are products out there that can bind gravel to keep it looking natural while still allowing wheelchairs to use the path. Two of these are Gravel-Lok and Klingstone Path. If you’re here in Virginia, you can go to James Madison’s Montpelier (in Orange County) to see what Klingstone Paths look like in person. It’s pretty exciting.

For most other design considerations, universal design outside has many of the same considerations as the inside. Outdoor kitchens can be made usable for anyone, and lighting design becomes even more important for safety and wayfinding at night. If you’re looking to age in place, or you know someone who is, give me a call. I’d be happy to talk with you about design steps we can take to keep the outdoors accessible for years to come.

Filed Under: DC Landscape Design, Design, Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Maryland Landscape Design, Northern Virginia Landscape Design, Universal Design, Virginia Landscape Design Tagged With: alexandria landscape design, arlington landscape design, bethesda landscape design, clifton landscape design, culpeper landscape design, dc landscape design, fairfax landscape design, great falls landscape design, manassas landscape design, northern virginia landscape contractor services, northern virginia landscape design, Tysons Corner landscape design, vienna landscape design

About Dave Marciniak

Dave Marciniak is a landscape designer and speaker. He lives in Culpeper, Virginia and can be found via his website and on Twitter.

Comments

  1. Marjorie says

    October 6, 2012 at 1:40 pm

    Thank you for continuing to educate the public about Universal Design! Keep up the good work.

    Reply
    • David Marciniak says

      October 8, 2012 at 2:05 pm

      Thanks! I’m currently writing a proposal for a project where not only does the homeowner need accessibility, they want to make it so their next door neighbor – also in a wheelchair – can freely use their property. It’s really exciting to be able to do something that will make a huge difference in someone’s quality of life.

      Reply

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  • About our team
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      • Fredericksburg Landscape Design and Pool
      • Pond install in Prince William County
      • Culpeper Landscape Design
      • Culpeper Modern Backyard Landscape Design
      • Sperryville landscape design with ponds and waterfalls
      • Fredericksburg landscaping at Chancellorsville
      • Lake Anna landscaping & planting
      • Culpeper Winery Landscape Design
      • Oakton Modern Landscape Design
    • Plantings
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    • Pergolas & Decks
    • Outdoor kitchens
    • Fireplaces & Firepits
    • Retaining walls
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