Transforming spaces into joyful places
At Blue Day 2, we proactively design spaces with your needs by leveraging universal design principles. Our goal is to design spaces every body can cherish and enjoy, now and for years to come. We collaborate with architects, contractors, designers and more to ensure your space evolves as your needs do. We’re breaking down barriers to create joyful places for people of all abilities to live, work and play — without limitations.
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Aging in place
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inclusive design
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universal design
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ada accessible design
Aging in Place
Improved quality of life
Our environments may remain the same, but our bodies change, and this increases the difficulty to manage our daily tasks. Aging in place refers to remaining in the same space or community with some level of independence, rather than in residential care. It can lead to higher levels of happiness and improved quality of life, which may also improve physical health.
Aging in Place is a hot topic in the design world, especially with the number of baby boomers surging and adults living longer or wanting to remain in their homes. According to the CDC, the number of adults ages 50+ is projected to reach up to 132 million by the year of 2030.That being said, it’s not just about older adults. Aging in place can also apply to people building or renovating their forever homes or wish to remain in their homes and communities.
Inclusive Design
everyone wants to be included
Inclusive design evolved from accessibility and universal designs. Essentially, it refers to a design process in which a mainstream product, service or environment is designed to be useable by as many people as possible (very similar to universal design and often used interchangeably).
A common example of inclusive design includes altering or restructuring a workplace environment to accommodate all employees and their clients to promote equal access, participation, and even health and wellness.”
Universal Design
Providing a choice to live, work, and play for everybody
Universal design is designing outside of the box — going beyond ADA standards to include a more diverse range of users. It refers to creating products or environments that are accessible or usable by all people to the greatest extent possible without the need for adaptation. It’s very similar to inclusive design and often used somewhat interchangeably. Common examples include providing a variety of seating options, sloped entrances or large, color-contrasting fonts and flex space.
Universal design enables everyone to participate equally, confidently and independently in everyday activities. It considers the full range of human diversity with respect to ability, language, culture, gender, age and other ways we are different. It focuses on exploring ways to serve a full spectrum of people who make up a diverse market.
The foundation of universal design and its 7 Principles were established by North Carolina State University’s Center for Universal Design. The framework was expanded upon by The Center for Inclusive Design & Environmental Access, the leading center for research and development in North America, to include social participation and health. They developed Goals of Universal Design to create more sustainable, durable and valuable projects to minimize the economic burden of an aging society. These concepts are human-focused and evidence-based, and collaboration between multi-professionals on developing initiatives and projects is essential.
ADA Accessible Design
Guidelines to improve access for those with disabilities
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, and the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Designs set minimum requirements that are enforced and applied to government facilities, public places, transportation and commercial facilities. Whether altered or newly designed, all electronic and information technology must be accessible to people with disabilities.
You’ve probably heard the term “ADA bathroom” or read about products that are “ADA compliant,” which implies they meet the guidelines or comply with the standards for accessible designs. Examples of ADA compliant features include a ramp for existing sites, buildings and facilities, or unobstructed high-forward reach from a wheelchair to access faucets or light switches. Every disability is unique and exists when the interaction between our bodies and social environments results in limitations and restrictions to full participation at school, work, home or the community. These interactions may vary, and we can help you create spaces that work for any ability.
