UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR HOTELS
WEAVING INCLUSIVITY INTO THE NARRATIVE
Hotels are more than just places to stay; they are temporary havens, offering comfort, rejuvenation, and a taste of a new environment. As architects and interior designers, we strive to craft these havens with a focus on aesthetics, functionality, and of course, a captivating design story. But what if that story could be even more powerful by ensuring it resonates with every guest, regardless of differences in background, disability, or other factors?
This is where the principles of Universal Design come in. It's not just about doing the minimum to stay code-compliant; it's about creating a seamless and welcoming experience for everyone.
Expanding the hospitality narrative for everyone to enjoy.
In this 3-part blog series, we’ll delve into the principles of Universal Design, providing a roadmap for crafting an inclusive hotel experience that is functional, truly welcoming, and accessible to all. We'll start by examining the core elements of guest rooms and public areas, identifying key design considerations and practical solutions to ensure inclusivity and enhance the overall guest experience.
What is Universal Design?
The original concept of Universal Design was created by architect, industrial designer, and wheelchair user, Ronald Mace. In 1997, Ronald led a group of architects, product designers, engineers, and environmental design researchers, in creating the seven principles of Universal Design to help guide the design process of environments, products, and communications. Ronald’s concept of Universal Design was to design all products and buildings to be visually pleasing and usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
The original 7 Principles of Universal Design were established as:
1. Equitable use
2. Flexibility in use
3. Simple and intuitive use
4. Perceptible information
5. Tolerance of error
6. Low physical effort
7. Size and space for approach and use
Since then, the IDEA Center at the University at Buffalo has taken these principles and made them more practical. Universal Design was broadened to address wider issues of social inclusion and the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives throughout the design process. The goal of Universal Design is still to create spaces usable by as many people as possible, but now considers the full spectrum of human diversity, including factors such as physical, cognitive, or learning abilities, age, gender, culture, and language. Universal Design, also called “inclusive design,” “design for all,” or “life span design,” aims to help all individuals become more self-reliant, enhancing their quality of life. The updated definition of Universal Design is a process that enables and empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation.
The Eight Principles of Universal Design.
Universal Design vs. Accessible Design.
While Universal Design and Accessible Design share similarities, they are actually quite different.
Accessible Design refers to meeting Federal accessibility laws and building codes, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act. It focuses on accommodating people with disabilities based on the study of the human body (anthropometric research). This approach strictly follows regulations and codes with little room for flexibility, providing necessary (and sometimes minimum or sub-standard) accommodations but often in a reactive manner.
Although not a legal requirement, Universal Design is considered a best practice for promoting inclusivity and equality. It focuses on considering everyone's needs during the design process and is seen as an ongoing process rather than an end state, as it's impossible to meet every need perfectly.
While many designers focus on the minimum required by regulations, asking, "What's the least I can do?" Universal Design flips this script. It takes a broader perspective, aiming for usability by everyone, not just meeting basic accessibility standards. Universal Design doesn't replace accessibility efforts – they work together. That's the goal: for both approaches to work in tandem.
Inclusive design considerations for hotel guest rooms.
Imagine a family effortlessly maneuvering a stroller through a spacious guest room or a guest with a wheelchair easily navigating the bathroom. Universal Design allows us to achieve this by incorporating features like:
Accessible guest rooms across room types: Every guest deserves a comfortable and stylish stay. Ensure a variety of room types, including those with wider doorways (32 inches minimum), lowered thresholds, sliding doors with lever handles for ease of use, and ample clear floor space around beds. Flush-to-the-ground recessed sliding doors remove impediments from the threshold, allowing a smooth transition from one area to the next, for example from the guest room to the balcony.
Open-concept floor plans with less enclosed space: This promotes a feeling of spaciousness and allows for easier maneuvering, especially for guests using mobility aids.
Accessible bathrooms: A haven of comfort and independence. Include roll-in showers with grab bars, comfort-height toilets (17-19 inches high), touchless faucets, hand-held adjustable shower heads, and slip-resistant flooring (avoid throw rugs).
Inclusive Technology: Modern amenities for everyone. Implement motion-activated lights, flat panel light switches with clear labeling, and task lighting for reading or working. Consider incorporating voice command technology (like Google Home or Amazon Alexa) for added convenience.
Accessibility for All Abilities: Cater to a wider range of guests by including features like:
Varied-height countertops and cabinets for easier access
Various bed heights and vanity heights to accommodate different needs
Reaching tools for closets and high shelves
Outlets placed higher up on walls for easier reach
Contrasting colors to promote good perception of edges and boundaries
Sound-dampening features for those with auditory sensitivity
Creating seamless navigation in public areas.
The journey through the hotel should be effortless for all guests. Here's how applying Universal Design principles can elevate hotel public spaces:
Sheltered entrances and ramps: Ensure a smooth and accessible entry point regardless of weather conditions.
No stairs or steps at entryways: Implement ramps with a gentle slope and appropriate handrails for ease of access.
Textured pavement wayfinding: Guide guests with visual impairments using textured pathways or ground surfaces with contrasting materials.
Accessible reception counter: A welcoming first impression for all. Ensure the counter is low enough for wheelchair users and provide ample space for service animals.
Accessible tables dispersed throughout seating areas: Cater to guests with varying needs by including accessible tables with proper knee clearance underneath. Avoid the use of a single accessible table to provide greater availability of accessible stations and not draw attention to the user of the single accessible table. Where group tables are used, provide a high-low combination or one of each. Everyone should be able to join the larger group.
Accessible self-serve stations: Breakfast buffets and coffee stations should be accessible to all. Incorporate features like lowered counters, accessible controls for beverage dispensers, and clear signage with braille or raised lettering.
Sensory considerations: Create a welcoming environment for those with sensory sensitivities. Incorporate tactile materials and textures for exploration, and minimize overwhelming visual clutter.
Minimum 7ft wide corridors: Allow for easy maneuvering of wheelchairs, strollers, and luggage.
Large double-sided elevator: Spacious elevators with clear controls and audio announcements are essential for accessibility.
Signage for everyone:
Visual signage at various eye levels for guests of all heights.
Interactive digital media such as a “digital concierge” or self-check-in kiosk should be mounted at a height within accessible reach ranges (48” for front approach) to the controls adjacent to the monitor or the interactive field of the screen.
Signage in multiple languages to cater to international guests.
Visual and tactile warning surfaces to alert guests of potential hazards.
Voice-activated signage for added convenience.
Information provided in color, symbols, and words as people process and remember information through different visual cues.
Comfort and ease:
Automatic doors for ease of access.
Resting places throughout the site for guests who need a break.
Universal restrooms: Consider non-segregated single-use and/or multi-stall restrooms that are universal to all and a convenient option for guests who require companion care (for adults or children). Accessible stalls and restrooms (in public areas and guestrooms) should have the same quality of fixtures, details, finishes, and décor as the non-accessible for an equivalent experience for all guests.
In conclusion.
By embracing Universal Design, we can elevate the hotel experience for all guests. It's not a compromise on aesthetics; it's an opportunity to tell a richer, more inclusive design story—one that celebrates the power of hospitality to welcome everyone.
The next blog post in this series on Universal Design for hotels will explore balancing privacy, safety, and belonging with inclusive restrooms.
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Sources referenced.
Unlocking Inclusivity: The Power of Universal Design
Accessible Design vs. Universal Design
