| Description: | The purpose of the study was to determine if Universal Design Standards (UD Standards) improve usability, convenience and safety for all people (including people with disabilities) who use residential life facilities and buildings in general. This project is a component of the 2010-2015 Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Universal Design and the Built Environment (RERC-UD). During the previous RERC-UD cycle, early drafts of the UD Standards for Commercial Buildings were used to design four buildings, one of which is located on the University at Buffalo’s North Campus. During this cycle, we had the opportunity to compare assessments of the newly constructed residential life building, Greiner Hall, with assessments of similar features in a nearby building that was not designed using the UD Standards. RERC-UD researchers evaluated the buildings through a post-occupancy evaluation (POE), which included three methods of data collection: (1) focus groups, (2) guided tours — a form of focused interview completed as part of a tour of a building — and (3) an online survey. The results provide information for improving the design of dormitories and other residential life facilities, including information on student preferences, usability, convenience and perceived safety. Additionally, the findings will be used to improve the UD Standards and to establish a model for continuous development of the evidence base for the UD Standards. |
| Project/Activity Leader(s): | Jonathan White, Architectural Research and Design Associate, Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDeA); Sue Weidemann, Visiting Professor |
| Unit: | School of Architecture and Planning |
| Department: | Architecture |
| City: | Buffalo |
| State: | NY |
| Country: | United States |
| External Funding: | Yes |
| Funding Source: | National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
| Start Date: | 2010-10 |
| End Date: | 2015-09-30 |
| Internal Partners: | Residence Life Dorms-North General Space, Campus Living, Associate Vice President for Campus Life |
| External Partners: | Cannon Design |
| Are UB students involved? | Yes |
