Inclusive and Universal: Design for Aging

The DFA will host Accessibility and Universal Design expert Deborah Pierce AIA - author of The Accessible Home - Designing for All Ages & Abilities, as our guest speaker at the February meeting.

Accessibility guidelines alone do not ensure age-friendly environments. Sensory, cognitive, and physical impairments occur with 10-times greater frequency than mobility impairments, yet there is little guidance for designers and policy-makers seeking to create inclusive buildings and spaces. Universal Design is both a solution and a conundrum: how do we serve individuals while also addressing requirements of the many?

This presentation will explore the work of architectural pioneers in the field of residential universal design. Through images and case studies, a holistic picture emerges of the process and principles that can produce responsive environments for a changing demographic.

Deborah Pierce AIA, award-winning Boston architect and author of The Accessible Home: Designing for All Ages and Abilities (Taunton Press), designs homes for people with sensory, cognitive, and mobility impairments and conditions of aging. Deb also consults to homeowners and architects, and is frequent speaker on inclusive and universal design.

Our meetings are free and open to all interested. Please RSVP so we can plan appropriately for refreshments.

1.5 LU/HSW AIA credits are available.