Commercial Architecture May 2018 - 57

PROJECT

plumbing

The Difference Between ADA And Universal Design
W

hile the term "universal design" is often associated

facilities, though there are specific guidelines as to the

people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for

with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is

extent that a building must comply and exceptions for

adaptation or specialized design."

a separate method used to incorporate accessible features.

structural impracticability. Under ADA, only a portion of a

It also seeks to "avoid segregating or stigmatizing

Architects and interior designers should always start with

property must be welcoming to guests with disabilities. For

any users" based on ability level. Under this philosophy,

the requirements outlined in ADA and then adhere to the

restrooms, ADA requires "at least one accessible restroom

accessibility is not an accommodation, but an intrinsic part

principles of universal design as budget allows.

for each sex or a single unisex restroom."

of the overall design. For example, a unisex family restroom

Americans with Disabilities Act is an enforceable

Universal design is an approach coined by the late

would be the preference because it accommodates users

mandate that addresses the needs of only a portion of the

architect Ronald Mace. Mace's voluntary set of principles

with strollers and wheelchairs, as well as caregivers

population. This legal requirement applies to all public

aims to create products and spaces that are "usable by all

assisting another adult.

efficiency. Balancing these design elements creates an aesthetically pleasing restroom that

The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design identify a number of alterations that

ensures visitors are comfortable and safe. The key is using proper layout planning and

will bring commercial restrooms into compliance. While this may seem extensive, de-

user-friendly products to create an intuitive design where compliance is all but invisible.

signers don't have to gut a restroom or upgrade every stall or fixture to satisfy ADA-only

Public restrooms are one of the few spaces in a building that almost every guest and

one of each fixture type needs to satisfy accessibility requirements. No matter how large

employee will use at some point. While practical in function, a restroom's design provides

a public restroom, a minimum of one stall, toilet, or urinal; lavatory sink; and mirror

the opportunity to make a lasting impression on users. This highly visible area can en-

must be ADA compliant.

hance the guest experience and create a sense of pride among building occupants. How-

ADA-compliant fixtures are available in a variety of styles, shapes, and finishes that

ever, a poorly designed restroom that ignores the basic needs of users with disabilities is
more than an inconvenience-it's a violation of civil-rights law.
Consider that even the simplest restroom activities are dependent on a combination
of senses: vision, touch, and hearing. Sight and physical coordination are needed to avoid
a slippery spot. Manual dexterity and depth perception work together so a faucet handle,
flush valve, or stall latch can be grasped. Signs and icons are read and understood using
intellectual abilities. A welcoming design ensures each of these actions is easy to perform
for all individuals, no matter their capabilities.
Designers do not have to compromise their design vision to create an inclusive restroom. Attractive restrooms can seamlessly blend ADA compliance with modern, classic, or transitional aesthetics. There are many products that range from traditional and
elegant to sleek and compact that will satisfy accessibility needs while complementing
building design requirements and vision.
WATER CONSERVATION AND ADA

Goals to satisfy accessibility regulations and conserve water are not mutually exclusive.
By giving these objectives equal weight in the design, architects and interior designers can
create a restroom that is respectful of its users and the environment. No matter whether a
project is pursuing a green certification, such as LEED or the Living Building Challenge,
or the client wants to protect natural resources, there are many choices that will fulfill
aesthetic and functional requirements.
Smartly designed products satisfy water efficiency and ADA compliance. Look for
fixtures that are WaterSense certified, which means they save a minimum of 20% over
the federal standard, or ultra-high-efficiency models that can conserve even more water.
While it's easier for new-construction projects to adhere to ADA standards, existing
buildings are far from exempt. When renovating a facility constructed before 1993, it is
the responsibility of the property owner to bring the restroom into compliance where
feasible. The act specifically states that "a public accommodation shall remove architectural barriers in existing facilities, including communication barriers that are structural in
nature, where such removal is readily achievable, i.e., easily accomplishable and able to be
carried out without much difficulty or expense."
CIRCLE 224

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture May 2018