Sustainability

The three videos use various ideas to illustrate the importance of universal architecture in everyday life. One feature that all of the videos have in common is the meaning of the word "universal style." The word is described as a definition that can be used by anyone without requiring specialized modifications to meet a person's individual needs. Michael Nesmith's analysis was insightful, detailed, and included a variety of difficulties encountered around the world. Mr. Nesmith uses his condition to provide ideas that can make the world a safer environment for those like him and those who face similar challenges (Nesmith). The other two videos on the topics design for the other 90% and the need for universal design for all by Leacey Brown were also very educative. However, they concentrated on specific forms of challenges; Leacey Brown explained more on the need for a universal design in the construction of houses to cater for the various forms of physical disabilities.
On the other hand, the topic on design for the other 90% involved various inputs from various professionals on the need for improving the livelihoods of people in developing and less developed countries by designing products such as farming equipment which were affordable and easy to use. Therefore, Michael Nesmith's presentation was the best of the three videos while the ones on the topics design for the other 90% and the need for universal design for all came in second and third respectively.
Leacey brown's video on the need for a universal design for all resonates well with me regarding what I want to design as a professional. It is commonly said that home is where the heart is in this case, I choose to look at home as a family home, where one is brought up and has lived for many years. The family home needs to be conducive for everyone regardless of their age, size or physical disability. Disability is not something a person wishes upon themselves. Some people are born with physical challenges other suffer from them because of events such as accidents. Therefore, the home should be designed in such a way that in an event where a person is involved in an accident and becomes physically disabled he or she can still move around the home with ease and without having to rearrange or redesigned the home to suit their needs. People desire to age in their family homes because of the love and the memories found within the four walls of the structure. It is not the design only which should be conducive but also the equipment found inside the house.
With every passing day, I become older and I want the things I enjoy today to be enjoyable even in my old age. Regardless of the physical state, I will be in as I get older, I want my home to be the place where I can function even when no one is around to assist me. Design for all seeks to achieve such an objective. Old age should be comfortable and since I am not there yet, I want to help the ones in that age bracket using my knowledge and put a smile on their faces as they enjoy their sunset years.






Work cited
Nesmith, Michael. "Why We Need Universal Design | Michael Nesmith | TEDxBoulder." YouTube, 13 Oct. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVdPNWMGyZY. Accessed 1 Dec. 2017.