The other night I went to a potluck supper and sing with my most wonderful chorus (we're currently on summer break)... and was able to have conversation with nearly everyone there... because everyone was sitting in a circle or sort of circle...
when I got home, happily filled with conversation and music, I remembered an architectural concept that popped up somewhere in the mid 90's I believe... that was very exciting to me and some architects as well... called All Access.... the idea being that in new buildings, parking lots, etc.... that architects ought to be creating entrances, hallways, elevations, etc.... that would accommodate everyone.... such a lofty goal!... there is a fair amount of research still around on this topic but a for instance is... stairs... now who really needs stairs?.... ramps (seen now as being 'specially' built for w/chairs) can be used by everyone... so why build stairs at all?... everyone can use ramps... mothers with carriages rejoice!... if you can climb stairs, you can climb a ramp....
wow... sometimes it's just too simple.... well in fact probably not that simple since safe ramps need more space.... but... what an idea... it has stayed below the radar, unfortunately, but sometimes in downtown Boston with some newer construction I spot a space this is 'all access'...
The more all access features an environment has, the less 'special' has to be done for individuals... making our experiences, and maybe our relating, more mutual.... wow...
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I like that idea a lot.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who rides a bike much of the time I am very aware of the usefulness of ramps, curbcuts, and such--not just for wheelchairs and strollers but bicycles and rollerblades, etc, and, as you point out, it's as easy to walk the ramps as stairs.
An architecture that thinks about everyone. That's such a great concept. Make everything more mutual--like all of us, just sitting around in a circle.
Thanks for posting this.
Great points, MoonRaven.... bicycles and rollerblades, too... it is a wonderful concept... I've decided to research this architecture again (someone must be doing it) and will post links here....
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