Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Universal Design and Co-housing

[Jill Robinson (jillrob]

It is generally believed that access is terribly costly.  It is my 
understanding that this is not true.

Providing access **from the initial design stages ** is generally a tiny 
fraction of the cost of the whole project.  Naturally if you add it 
later, it can be terribly expensive.  It's a little like passive solar. 
If you plan it in from the beginning, it's not too big a deal.  If you 
decide you want it after you've already faced your house north, you've 
got a problem.

It is unfortunate that many designers who are not expert in universal 
design are not familiar with the techniques used to provide access is a 
cost effective manner.  I would advise any community that wants to 
provide access to be sure that an expert in universal design is part of 
the design team from the very beginning.

I have invited a couple of my universal designer friends to jump into 
this discussion.  I don't know whether they will, but If the invitation 
offends anyone, I'd appreciate it if you'd yell at me and not them.

Thanks!
Jill
coho wannabe



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