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Home / Journal of Family & Consumer Sciences, Volume 109, Number 4

Real Life Design: A Case Study in Universal Design

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Universal design is a concept in design that addresses the usability of products and spaces that meet the needs of the most people possible. Principles guide the design process for various spaces and products. The Center for Real Life Design at Virginia Tech renovated two kitchens that incorporated many universal design features. The Universal Design Kitchen was designed for a multigenerational family, including an older grandparent and a child with autism spectrum disorder. The Loft Kitchen, which was planned as a multifamily kitchen, met the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines. The Center provides a student design demonstration studio, a research facility, and a setting for outreach programming.

Document Type: Research Article

Publication date: September 1, 2017

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