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Right:Today universal design features in kitchen cabinetry allow consumers to make some adjustments, such as raising or lowering shelves. Ultimately, a universal design kitchen would include many adjustable components, such as movable countertops and drawers.
Imagine a kitchen that suits everyone — short, tall, young, old, able-bodied, disabled, avid cook or minimalist. That’s the goal of a team of Iowa State University (ISU) professionals: to create a kitchen that fits literally everyone and evolves with a person’s changing needs; a kitchen featuring universal design. The universal design kitchen initiative at ISU is about a year and a half old and involves ISU Extension specialists and researchers from the departments of Human Development and Family Studies and Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, as well as the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS). Local Iowa industries also have participated in the endeavor. ISU’s vision focuses on adjustable components, allowing homeowners to raise and lower countertops and adjust the drawers to meet their individual needs. The kitchens also could be adjusted as their users’ needs change. The research is funded in large part by the U.S. Administration on Aging, according to Mary Yearns, associate professor and ISU Extension housing specialist. However, Yearns noted that not just elderly cooks have special needs in the kitchen. “Our research has included focus groups and observations with people of all ages and heights and abilities,” she said. A key to the endeavor’s commercial success, Yearns added, is making the kitchens attractive. Evelyn George, a marketing consultant who worked on the project with ISU, said that’s one of the project’s best features. “The Iowa State project is so great because it looks at good design for everyone,” George said. “Everyone wants a kitchen that is the envy of friends and neighbors. Because the Iowa State design emphasizes that, it will be economically viable through broad market appeal.” Ultimately, she and Yearns said, universal design kitchens developed at Iowa State will be available everywhere consumers shop for kitchen cabinets, counters and appliances. “This will be another option for consumers to consider when they’re building or remodeling their kitchens,” Yearns said.
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The Extension Connection is a quarterly publication of Iowa State University Extension. Laura Sternweis, editor, lsternwe@iastate.edu Nondiscrimination statement and information disclosures Last update: April 2004 MORE NEWS * Quick response to BSE issue reaches nationwide audience * Funding boosts entrepreneurism * 4-H builds leaders for the future * Child care campaign focuses on quality * Go the distance to lighten up Iowa |
