Universal Design

..."the concept of designing all products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone".

Ronald Mace, NC State University Center for Universal Design

Livable Design for All

The idea of "universal design" is not new.  In 1963, Selwyn Goldsmith penned Designing for the Disabled:  The New Paradigm.  Goldsmith's book is based on the concept of "architectural disability".  The "new paradigm" included not only designing for physically disabled people but also addresses the needs of everyone from women (who typically have access to one quarter the restroom amenities of men) to parents with infants and children in strollers. 

In the years since Goldsmith's work was first published, many advancements in the way we design and furnish spaces for varied capabilities have come to pass but the concept remains the same - livable and functional design for all.

Some of the key concepts in Universal Design, as we know it today, include the following:

• At least one entry that has no steps
• Flat or very low thresholds at doorways
• Wide, open floor plan
• 5-foot turning space in rooms
• One-story living
• Lowered light switches, door handles, faucets etc.
• Appliances and controls that can be accessed from seated position
• Adequate lighting
• Safe and easy to operate windows and doors
• Generous counter tops or table surfaces with easy access
• Varied height work surfaces
• Showers with wide entry, low threshold and safety grab bars
• Higher toilets
• Reachable storage, adjustable rods, full extension drawers
• Non-slip flooring material
• Low maintenance materials and finishes

The Role of Furnishings in Universal Design

Of course, furniture plays a large role in designing spaces.  Consider furniture that allows for accessibility for those using the space.

For clients, residents, patients or students of size, there are many options for chairs that will accommodate with comfort and style.

Affina Collection from KI - Designed for clients of size.

When planning dining spaces, cafes or cafeterias, tables with detached dining chairs is an ideal choice allowing for a variety of seating configurations.

Tables with detached dining chairs from All A Board

In work or study situations, an adjustable-height table like the Work Up from KI, pictured below, will accommodate sitting, standing and anywhere in between.

Work Up Height Adjustable Table from KI

A great example of an open floor plan in a public area.  Notice that there is adequate space to maneuver a wheelchair or baby stroller while still maintaining a beautiful aesthetic.

Open Floor Plan in Commercial Space - Affina by KI

A simple table takes on multi-tasking.  These folding tables have casters, come with or without attached seating and can be customized to allow for wheelchair access.  Fully functional Uniframe tables from KI can be used in the classroom, cafeteria, common areas and work spaces to name a few.

Wheelchair Accessible Uniframe Table - KI

When it comes time to furnish your unique space, be sure to work with a company who understands Universal Design and will strive to ensure that all of the visitors to your facility are comfortable and accommodated.

Choosing Fabric That Can Withstand (Almost) Anything You Throw At It

Whether you're planning a university residence hall, lobby, cafeteria, healthcare facility or church camp, fabric selection is of utmost importance.  Durability, clean-ability, comfort and aesthetics can be achieved with today's innovative fabrics and proper planning.

So you're purchasing new furniture for your facility.  How exciting!  So you want THIS furniture to hold up better than the stuff you're replacing and you're wondering how that will be possible with the constant use and special cleaning it will endure?  You've decided on a style and quantity now comes one more important consideration... fabric selection.





The good news is that contract fabrics have come a long way.  Many are specially designed and manufactured to meet guidelines that ensure that they'll perform to commercial standards.  There are options for bleach-cleanable, solvent-cleanable, fluid resistant and extreme durability all in a multitude of colors and patterns.  Now, how to choose?

Let's start with specifications.  Contract (or commercial) grade fabrics almost always include a specifications sheet.  This will be an important tool for you when choosing fabric.  The specification sheet will include details such as application (upholstery, curtains etc.), content, clean-ability (bleach ration, solvent-based etc.) abrasion resistance (otherwise known as the Wyzenbeek method) and other valuable information to help with decision-making.  Your furniture distributor or dealer can help walk you through the specifics so make sure you are having a detailed conversation about your needs.

Here is an example of some of the information you can expect to find on a fabric specification sheet:

Application	Upholstery
Content	70% Polyester, 30% Solution Dyed Polyester
Width	54"
Weight	25.95 oz./Linear yard
Fabric Treatment	Bleach Cleanable (10:1)
Repeat	3/16" Vertical
Finish/Backing	Stain Repellent/Acrylic
Abrasion Resistance	90,000 Double Rubs (Wyzenbeek)
Flammability	NFPA 260, TB 117-2013
Color Fastness	Passes AATCC 8 Dry Crocking, Class 4 minimum, Wet Crocking, Class 3 minimum
Tensile	Passes Brush Pill ASTM D3511, 3 minimum
Light Fastness	Passes AATCC 16A or AATCC 16E, Class 4 minimum at 40 hours
Cleaning Code	WS - Water- or solvent-based cleaner only.
	KI Grade P2

In addition to the specifications sheet, there are codes and symbols that you should be familiar with.  Clean-ability codes will tell you (and your Facilities Management team) how to properly clean your new furniture.  These codes are as follows:

W - Clean only with water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. Do not over wet. Do not use dry cleaning solvents to spot clean. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and laundered.

S - Clean only with dry cleaning solvent. Do not saturate. Do not use water. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and dry cleaned.

WS - Clean with mild detergent or shampoo, foam or dry cleaning solvent as desired. Do not saturate with liquid. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and dry cleaned or laundered.

X - Do not clean with either water or solvent-based cleaner. Use vacuuming or light brushing only.




Last but not least, you'll likely see a symbol, or series of symbols.  These are part of the ACT (Association of Contract Textiles) Voluntary Performance Guidelines.  These visual symbols allow for a rapid assessment of the performance of contract-grade fabrics.    Flammability, color-transfer, resistance to fading from light, durability and abrasion (wear-ability) can all be determined with a quick glance at the symbols.

Now there are other "treatments" that the fabrics can have as well including vinyl coatings, special "immersion" technology for extreme durability and clean-ability, antimicrobial, flame retardant and fluid barriers.

Again, the best way to navigate all of your choices is by working closely with your furniture dealer who can listen, understand your needs and ultimately recommend the best options.  Your facility CAN have furniture that stands the test of time and (almost) anything you throw at it.

The University Lounge - More Than Just a Place to Hang Out

What comes to mind when you think of common areas in a college or university?

Most likely the thoughts of a university lounge conjures images of students enjoying some down time from studies, maybe checking their phones or grabbing a snack?

The importance of common areas in today's universities are often overlooked.  State of the art classrooms, practical residence halls, well-equipped libraries and sufficient dining areas are typically top of mind when designing college and university spaces.  But what about that student lounge?

Ponder this... the common spaces and lounges are often the first impression of prospective students, their parents, new faculty and visitors to the campus.  What type of impact should that first impression have?  What would a great first impression mean to the enrollment and retention of new students and faculty to the school?  If the furnishings and decor are outdated, stained and otherwise non-functional, what does that say about the rest of the campus or, for that matter, the quality of education provided at the school?

Gannon University - KI MyWay and Sway

Even more importantly, the idea of creating multi-purpose areas that encourage collaboration, study and a sense of community is paramount to student satisfaction and success. Although the "privacy" of a dorm room or quiet of the library may sometimes be necessary, the idea of having a beautiful and comfortable area to engage with others certainly fits with modern learning paradigms.  Learning environments are moving, somewhat, out of the traditional classroom and into non-traditional spaces. University lounge and common space design should reflect these changes.

Cornell University Center for Teaching Excellence research shows that "educational experiences that are active, social, contextual, engaging, and student-owned lead to deeper learning. The benefits of collaborative learning include:

• Development of higher-level thinking, oral communication, self-management, and leadership skills.
• Promotion of student-faculty interaction.
• Increase in student retention, self-esteem, and responsibility.
• Exposure to and an increase in understanding of diverse perspectives.
• Preparation for real life social and employment situations."

Gannon University - Comfortable, Collaborative Common Area

The new student lounge at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania is a great example of how a multi-purpose space can be conducive to learning while providing a great first impression to visitors of the campus.  The furniture is a mixture of the MyWay and Sway lines from KI Furniture in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  KI specializes in education furniture for common areas, residence halls, libraries, classrooms and more.  KI has been named the number one preferred furniture supplier for educational solutions, according to Contract magazine, twelve years in a row.

Gannon University - KI  MyWay Multi-Purpose Configuration of Common Space

Of course, downtime is also important so this space was designed with a multi-purpose direction in mind.  Not only are there study spaces, both private and collaborative, but there are gaming tables, vending machines and even a fireplace.  Students can take a break and unwind or grab a quick snack to fuel their creativity, learning and socialization. What student (or faculty member) wouldn't want to sit and spend some time in this space?

Gannon University - KI MyWay with Tablet Arms Offer Non-Traditional Learning Environment

If you find yourself in a college or university, take a look around.  What is your first impression?  What opportunities do you notice for students to interact with each other, faculty and visitors to the school?  What does the space say about the quality of the school and the education received there?

Careful consideration should be taken when planning these spaces for the success and satisfaction of students, faculty, parents and visitors to your college or university.

Furnishing your facility doesn't have to be a chore...  Scroll down for 3 tips to help make furniture buying for your organization easy.

1.  Get multiple options with one phone call.

Your time is valuable.  Your calendar is full.  You're being pulled in so many directions.  It's no wonder that when it comes time to choose furniture for your facility you breath that familiar sigh of frustration. Work with a company that can provide a variety of style, price and customization options with one phone call.  The task of furniture buying can be simplified and, dare we say, even enjoyable?

   

2. Work with experts in YOUR field.

Furnishing a specialized facility takes care, planning, foresight and, most importantly, a clear understanding of YOU, the customer. There are many individual factors to consider. Functionality, sustainability, innovative design, versatility, durability, performance, clean-ability and so much more.  Work with a company that understands your profession and won't waste your time and money on recommendations that ultimately won't be functional in your space.

College / University

K-12 / STEM School

Residence Hall

Healthcare Facility

Firehouse / EMS / 911

Group Home / Homeless Shelter

Behavioral Health / Residential Treatment Center

Supportive Housing

Camp & Resort

Domestic Violence

3.  Trust that you are being understood.

Do you need intensive use furnishings?  Does the upholstery need to be bleach-cleanable, fluid-proof or even replaceable?  Would highly configurable furniture be beneficial? Do you need options to fit a tight budget and time-frame? Be sure to choose a partner that understands your challenges and works to make sure you're getting exactly what fits your needs.

Celebrating Color and Comfort

Doni Chair - A Celebration of Color and Comfort

Doni - Celebrating Color and Comfort - YouTube

Versatile, Sustainable and Tech-savvy Furniture for College/University

University furnishings suited for fluid environments that support a variety of interactive and engaging activities - from teaming, projects, presentations and discussions to individual research and reflection, and yes, even lecturing. 

Many of the products in KI's university furniture portfolio offer options that create versatility - classroom tables and chairs with casters, lecture hall seating with a 360-degree seat rotation, movable walls and occasional tables with markerboard surfaces, training tables with integrated technology and more. 

We can help you design campus and learning spaces that reflect the growing importance of innovation, collaboration and creativity as found in professional environments.

Multi Sensory Environments - Sensory integration dysfunction and neurodevelopmental products help you help your clients.

Setting out to be "more than a furniture company" was a task that we took very seriously when founding Nest Contract Furnishings.'

The search for quality products that fit multiple needs of our clients (in healthcare, behavioral healthcare and education most specifically) led to our partnership with Southpaw.  

Southpaw's exceptional products are manufactured by hand in Dayton, Ohio, provide superior quality and durability, and are guaranteed to last.

They are committed to offering education, insight and resources for learning about neurodevelopmental disorders and will continue to partner with therapists to provide the absolute best products based on clinical need.

Scroll down for an example of Southpaw's committment...

WEIGHTED BLANKETS, WRAPS AND VESTS / PORTABLE ROVERS

Excerpts from:  MSE IDEOLOGY

By: Tom Marshall, Southpaw Director of MSE Sales

Read the full article here.

Over time the Multisensory environment came to be considered for other purposes than recreation and relaxation.  When the treatment of people with intellectual impairments moved away from the medical model and toward the educational and vocational model, the MSE was used to create the foundation for development and learning.   

Learning about the world occurs through our senses.  

An educator or facilitator must be aware, both internally (through proprioception, vestibular and Golgi tendon organs) and externally (through tactile, visual, auditory, olfactory and gustatory senses), of the scope of the client’s world in order to create meaningful sensory experiences. 

The therapist, by controlling intensity, frequency and duration, allows the room to dictate behavior change, rather than through direct manipulation....  The more things stay the same, the less they are noticed by the user.  Intensifying or reducing the stimuli helps to focus the user on the task at hand.

....  Thus, providing a space where the user is in control, where the space is safe, predictable and consistent, where the focus is development of social and cognitive skills through a variety of recreational and educational activities.

MSE

The Southpaw line includes a wide range of sensory therapy products to fit your needs and those of your clients:

Bubble Tubes

Fiber Optics

Interactive Panels

Projectors

Rovers

Sensory Tools

Switches

Vibro-Acoustic

Spa Packages

Vestibular Activities
Suspension & Hardware
Weight & Resistance Equipment
Clinic Supplies & Equipment
Motor Planning & Balance Equipment
Sensory Enrichment
Positioning Products
Fine Motor Therapy Equipment
Oral Motor Therapy Equipment
Books