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


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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eldorado_Business_Tower.jpg

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Introduction

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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/realcorkfloors/5105304601/ 54

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

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!

How Smart Green Design Creates Universal Design Spaces

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