Teens eating ice cream at kitchen island
The accessible kitchen at award-winning Magnolia Mid-Mod, designed by Studio Pacifica and Rom Architecture Studio, was chosen as a set for Varilite’s latest lifestyle photo shoot. Varilite, a wheelchair seating and postural support manufacturer, appreciated the clean, vibrant backdrop for their theme, “Life is calling.” Here are some shots of the fun!
Teens baking cookies, seen from above
Teens baking cookies at wall oven
ADA Checklist Graphic
The New England ADA Center and the Institute for Human-Centered Design debuted their updated ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier-Removal recently. From their website, “This checklist is based on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. It updates the original ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal which was based on the 1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The original checklist was issued in 1992 and revised in 1995.
Businesses and non-profit organizations removing barriers before March 15, 2012 have the choice of using either the 1991 Standards or the 2010 Standards. Businesses and non-profit organizations removing barriers on or after March 15, 2012 must use the 2010 Standards.”
The new site provides a checklist for standard Public Accommodations and another for recreation facilities. Each checklist is provided in three versions, including a Word Fillable form and printable pages. The site has been optimized for a mobile version for on-the-go reviews on your iPad or Smartphone.
It is good to note this checklist is suitable for Public Accommodations who are trying to determine what barriers exist in their facilities – it is not suitable for new construction or alterations.
Mentoring
I throughly enjoy sharing my passion about architecture and accessible design with young people. It gives me the opportunity to spread the word about something I believe in – and it is a great way to give back. I most enjoy working with teens – as they try to determine what their interests are and future might hold. I was recently interviewed by a young friend as she explores Modern Architecture and the development of her own “Accessible and Green Home of the Future”. Such fun!
Accessible pocket door, fully retracted
These photos illustrate a great example of how to create an accessible pocket door. Accessible or Type A doors must have accessible hardware, a challenge to accomplish on a traditional pocket door that retracts fully into the wall. The typical finger pull on the end of a pocket door doesn’t meet the criteria for no pinching or tight grasping.
Pocket door handles
Pocket doors that don’t slide all the way back into the pocket and have easy to use loop hardware are much more accessible to everyone.