skip to main content

Were any people with visual impairments considered during the design p

7 years ago

The wood, although stunningly beautiful, merges together for me, as I have depth perception issues amongst many others I'll need to say. It becomes one single plane.
Have you discussed issues of this type before?

Wellington accessible home - kitchen · More Info

Comments (3)

PRO
Lifemark
7 years ago
Hi Steve. Thank you for your message, much appreciated. Lifemark are increasingly thinking about the use of colour and contrast within the home to ease movement and use of appliances, as well as increasing safety. We now have some guidance around colour contrasting in our new Design Standards Handbook and our accessibility consultant is looking into ways we can guide our partner designers to increasingly consider a variety of visual impairments. If you have any other comments around this issue we'd love to hear from you.
Steve Daw
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks a lot for your prompt reply. I was a member of staff at a social services independent living centre in Oldham, England.

what we did to ensure there was a noticeable difference between the carpeted floors and the wall was a subtle change in the colour of the carpet when you were 15cm away form the walls. This was particularly helpful when you came across corners and turns.

Originally, the architects were opposed to the changes in colour, as they wanted all 4 floors to be identical. My best friend and manager of the facility let the architects know that since the purpose of the building was to promote independence, the identicalness of each floor would make it very difficult for people who have visual impairment to know exactly what floor they were on. He pushed for and got a different colour scheme for each of the four floors and each floor's carpet colour scheme was subtly designed to accommodate our needs.

It actually got so bad that the architectural firm would verbally agree to the adjustments Derek (the manager) had pushed for, and behind his back change it to the universal format they wanted! So, to ensure compliance, Derek relocated his office in the unfinished building to ensure compliance. Needless to say, the architects services weren't used again!

In conclusion, the differences made to offer a third degree of interpretation don't need to be 'loud and in your face', nor do they need to be against the theme of the rooms as a whole either, they just need to be there!

Thank you so much for your very polite response.

Steve Daw.
Related Discussions
1940's NZ kitchen - small, awkward-ish layout.
Q
Comments (121)
I would suggest you take out the cabinet that is to the right of the stove and use it elsewhere in the house -- perhaps in the bathroom or dining room with a hutch above it. Then, I would suggest you have someone install a lazy susan cabinet in the corner between the sink counter and the stove, meaning you would move the stove down a bit and have a small cabinet/counter top to the right of the stove. I would suggest you have the cabinets refinished in white and then paint the walls a pastel you like. If you would prefer white walls, then add white-painted crown molding and paint the ceiling a light neutral blue, such as Sherwin Williams Niagara Falls Blue. Then, I would suggest you choose a favorite accent color and use this sparingly in accessories like towels, pot holders, small vases or floral arrangements, and a valence above the triple windows. For a genuine 1940s look, you might have white ceramic square tiles with a rectangular red border installed as a back splash behind and above the stove. If you are replacing counter tops, I would suggest a light color such as white with a beige or light grey vein or striation for some sort of pattern. You might be able to find the same color and design in floor tile OR opt for a wood floor as another poster suggested.
...See More
Need help with recovering couch
Q
Comments (93)
Oh, okay, may need to clarify some more. If you get a new 2 seater in place of the 2 white chairs, fine, but no blue chair at all next to the 'new' 2 seater. Won't be right with a blue chair too. So what ones are you planning to recover?. If getting rid of part of it, not understanding. 2 different styles placed next to each other won't look right. I wouldn't like old blue fabrics next to new fabrics or next to 2 different styles of furniture. New 2 seater and old blue chair next to each other, not good :)
...See More
Is the lampshade horrid or nice?
Q
Comments (82)
jacquipru: I kind of like it without the lamp. Do you need the lamp there for ambient lighting? If so, then the blue/silver shade for sure. My family would love for me to give advice on other matters. Keeps me out of their hair. HA When you start the other discussion, be sure to include lots of pictures, and include information like "I need to work with all the furniture, except for _________." And what kind of budget you are on. (Champagne vs beer!) You'll get TONS of ideas, but if you aren't working (sorry you are sick) and need cost-effective ideas and products, leaving it open ended might not be as on point and helpful as it could be. It's also helpful to generally indicate your location if you are comfortable. That helps people develop ideas based on what stores/vendors may be available to you. :)
...See More
Kitchen redesign ideas needed
Q
Comments (812)
This made me laugh: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/09/seagull-turns-orange-after-falling-into-vat-of-chicken-tikka-masala I couldn't copy the picture, but it's hilarious.
...See More
PRO
Lifemark
7 years ago
Hi Steve. Thank you very much for taking the time to provide some further information. We'll certainly be thinking about colour contrasts on floors and carpets to aid navigation around the home. There are certainly lots of innovative and subtle ways to incorporate these elements into design and we're always very grateful for comments such as this.

Sign Up to Comment

Sponsored

More Discussions

suggestions to decorate empty wall space with ac unit

0

Kitchen Redesign

3

Help with kitchen layout

1

Traditional Japanese Timber Frame

0

Did you know that e-design exists and would you ever consider it?

0