Universal Design of dwellings in Japan: Who are the assumed residents?
S. Kose
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AbstractThere is an old saying, "a man's home is his castle. The ideal condition would be that a person's dwelling should be suitable from 'cradle to grave'. However, many people are forced to leave their homes because of the deterioration of their capabilities, commonly due to the normal aging process. Adaptability of the dwelling to aging should be taken into consideration by the homeowner (Universal Design or UD). By Japanese legislature this UD for adaptability embraces at least (i) level floors without step differences, (ii) structural supports for installation of handrails or grabbars, and (iii) adequate door openings and turning space to accommodate a wheelchair. It must be admitted that not all dwellings can be designed and built to be able to house everybody, because some type and level of disabilities require more extensive modifications than is readily available. But for most people, UD for adaptability suffices.Keywords: Universal Design; lifespan; adaptability; Japan
S. Kose (2006). Universal Design of dwellings in Japan: Who are the assumed residents?. Gerontechnology, 5(3), 170-173
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2006.05.03.006.00