What is Universal Design for Apartment Homes?

We've all had the experience of touring a prospective apartment and it doesn't…feel right. The doorways are too short, the outlets are in weird places or certain aspects of the space don't feel like you can use them effectively.

It can be hard to imagine a home or type of apartment that's been built and designed to appeal to and be used by everyone. But in fact, there is.

Intended to remove both physical and mental barriers from a space, universal design is a unique type of architecture and interior design. It seeks to make a space accessible for people of all ages and abilities. But what does that look like, exactly? Let's explore the world of universal design and how it works in apartments.

What is universal design?

Also known as barrier-free design, universal design is an architectural style that creates a space free of barriers or obstructions, making it usable and enjoyable for everyone. That includes people with disabilities, the elderly and multi-generational families. Essentially, a universal design apartment is meant to make life easier for its inhabitants.

The concept of universal design was created in the 1960s and coined by architect Ronald Mace. It was meant to make living spaces more accessible and equitable for everyone while still making them attractive and stylish.

There are seven principles that need to be followed for a space to be universal design. These principles are equitable use, flexibility, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort and size and space for approach and use.

For renters, this means a space that is easier to benefit from. If you're looking for a child-friendly apartment or need to move an elderly parent in with you, the inclusivity of a universal design apartment makes it a good choice. The same is true for renters with disabilities.

What does a universal design apartment look like?

Creating a barrier-free apartment space means removing obstacles. Here are some features you may find in a universal design apartment:

• No stairs or steps at entryways
• Walk-in showers instead of bathtubs
• Hallways and doorways that are at least 32 inches wide
• Slip-resistant flooring or hardwood floors in places like the bathroom and kitchen
• Levers on doors instead of doorknobs
• Open-concept floor plans with less enclosed space
• Motion-activated lights
• Comfort height toilets set 17 to 19 inches off the ground
• Outlets that are higher up the walls in accessible, easy-to-find places
• Varied-height countertops and cabinets in the kitchen

For an apartment in an apartment complex or building, ideally the overall building would have universal design elements as well. That would include elevators, levers instead of doorknobs and level floors with no steps or ledges. Even if they're redesigned, some types of units, like walk-up apartments, will never be suitable for universal design.

Pros of universal design in apartments

There are many benefits to choosing an apartment created in the universal design format, including:

• Adaptability: Furniture, decor and layout can be easily changed due to the open layout
• Safety: From children to elderly parents, universal design apartments are safer for everyone
• Aesthetically pleasing: Open-concept homes are very in vogue, making your apartment both trendy and functional
• Ages with you: A good universal design apartment can be with you for life, as it was created for everyone from children to the elderly. As you grow and your needs change, the basic format and design of the apartment should still meet your changing needs. All you need to do is change furniture, layout or decor as needed.
• Good market value: The universal appeal and use of these types of apartments means they will always be in demand

Cons of universal design in apartments

The very foundation of universal design is that it optimizes a living space for everyone. But there are still some cons to considering renting an apartment made with universal design.

• Limited privacy: The lack of walls and increased open spaces can reduce privacy
• Expensive to change or renovate: If you want to change your apartment into a universal design one, it's an expensive process due to the complete overhaul and redesign of the space
• Not always ADA compliant: Even though universal design is meant to be accessible to renters with disabilities, that does not mean it is always fully compliant with accessibility laws, regulations and design standards
• Cookie-cutter: If you love apartments with a lot of unique style and character, a universal design apartment may not be the best fit for you. Since it needs to follow a set of rules and principles, the design can be very similar to other units like it
• Overall complex is not universal design-friendly: The main complex may not offer the same accessibility or inclusivity features or design

Where can I visit a universal design apartment?

If you want to visit a home or apartment that's been created using universal design to see how you like it, the good news is that they exist all over the place. Online, you can research “universal design apartments" in a particular city or area to see what comes up.

On Apartmentguide.com, you can also select apartment search filter options like independent living, senior living and disability access. While these types of units may not exactly fall under the banner of universal design, these types of dwellings have likely been created with universal design in mind in order to improve access and usability.

Another place where you see universal design in action is at the Universal Design Living Laboratory (UDLL) in Columbus, Ohio. Technically, this living lab is a single-family-style house. But it still serves as an excellent example of universal design and is a great place to see many of its principles in action.

Owners Rosemarie Rossetti and Mark Leder had their home reimagined to incorporate universal design after Rosemarie suffered a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the waist down. As it was, their house didn't allow Rosemarie to live or move independently and use the space effectively, so it was changed to meet her needs. Videos and a virtual tour are available on the UDLL's website, and appointments can be set up to tour the home in person.

Living in a universal design apartment

No matter who you are, a universal design unit can make apartment living easier for your mind and body.