AIAS Featured in Washington Post Transforming Space Into Universal Design
June 24, 2008
.jpg "Lauren Harrison helped design the laundry room, which has an elevated washer and dryer, with other students from the University of Maryland.")
College Park, MD -- A group of American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) from the UM School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation is featured in The Washington Post real estate section for their contributions toward transforming a DC home into a model of universal design. The article, "Offering Access to All", describes the collaborative efforts of the DC government (who owns the home), AARP, renowned architect Michael Graves, AIAS and other contributors who worked to transform the home, incorporating features to make it user-friendly for people of all ages and abilities.
Before working on the project, AIAS traveled to Graves's office and home in Princeton, NJ. During their visit, Graves coached them on things like how wide to make the hallways and brainstormed with them about the type of door to use for the bedroom. Aided by this invaluable experience, AIAS helped convert the DC home's garage into an accessible bedroom, laundry room, and bath. In the bathroom their design includes a roll-under sink, elevated outlets and a ceramic floor so wheelchairs can roll right into the shower. The bedroom has a sliding entry door.
.jpg "Mykella Harley, a University of Maryland graduate who was paralyzed in a car accident 13 years ago, helped architecture students design the home.")
"To build something like this that has a purpose and that will affect people's lives was an amazing opportunity," says Jason Langford, a 2008 graduate of the school.
The Washington Post: "Offering Access to All"
Photos by Barbara Ruben for The Washington Post
The mission of the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation at the University of Maryland is to advance the leadership and effectiveness of the disciplines responsible for designing, planning, developing and preserving the health and integrity of the physical environment. This is accomplished through interdisciplinary education programs, funded research, creative work, and community and professional service. For more information, e-mail us or call 301.405.8000.