Architects Have to Use Innovative Designs to Fit Needs of Individuals
By: Stewart Wrighter
Submitted: 2012-02-21 22:19:41 | Word Count: 512
When anyone is considering having a new home or building built, the first port of call is usually with a professional who knows how to plan such places. For those people who need some extra help in their daily lives, they may need to hire the services of someone familiar with assisted living design. Likewise, anyone who wants to build a place of worship must go to church architects so that they do not inadvertently make a mistake in the whole set up.
For example, most Christian places of worship are built in the shape of a cross. But how many people realize that this cross is normally built on a north to south line? Reasons for this are a little hazy but anyone who has noticed that some are built at an odd angle on a piece of land will surely realize that this is true.
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Then there are those people who need some help in the home but would rather do things for themselves. Although it may sound easy to just hire someone to do all the work, disabled people just love to do something for themselves. Having the right tools and accoutrements then is very important if they are to be able to get around and sort out matters in their own way.
Houses which are already in situ will surely have to be altered to fit the person living there. Doorways will have to be widened if there is a wheelchair in the home and any cupboards and storage facilities must be lowered so that the affected person can reach what they need.
Homes which are to be built can have all this planned beforehand and this makes life that much easier for anyone using the home. For example, anyone who likes to cook, and is in a wheelchair, must have surfaces at the right level. Even sinks have to be low enough for the person to wash the dishes etc. Handles on taps must be big enough for the affected person to be able to turn on water at will and this is particularly useful for those who are suffering arthritis in their joints.
The bathroom is probably one of the most sensitive areas where the disabled person wants to sort themselves out. Larger bathrooms than normal are needed since it may have to accommodate a wheelchair. On top of this, rails and grab handles have to be situated around the toilet so that the person can use the facility without too much assistance.
Some children of elderly parents may want them nearby and to this end they often have an annex built onto existing homes. Even a separate mini house in the garden will do as long as it is built to house someone who is infirm. This should include ramps instead of steps, grab handles all over the place in case they fall down, and perhaps an alarm system or speaker phone so that everyone can stay in touch with the older person without having to be constantly checking up on them all the time.
