If you're nearing the age of 50, then you've probably already heard about a type of design in housing called "universal design."

On a practical level, Nanette Overly, vice president of condo-developer Epcon Communities, says "Universal Design allows for the day in which mobility and energy of Baby Boomers may be reduced. For example, designers can create easily accessible, functional and beautiful bathrooms by integrating a large turning radius, wide doorways and lever handles allowing those in a wheelchair easy access.

While it may not sound like much of a difference in traditional design, universal eliminates "steps or floor-height differentials and incorporating broad doorways and hallways throughout that take into account the potential for future lifestyle changes," she says on CondoMagazines.com.

North Carolina State University's Center for Universal Design just introduced an upper undergraduate and graduate course study called Universal By Design. The center designed the course to "help address inadequacies" currently found in universal design where untrained developers of universal space are trying to support federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Amendment Act. The course should help designers in training to conduct "more creative work beyond mere code compliance."

Overly stipulates "the ultimate compliment paid to Universal Design residence is that while it provides an ideal venue for mature residents, it doesn't feel like a space that has made any design concessions."

A well-designed universal dwelling is one that anyone would be happy to call home.

Published: December 8, 2008

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Mr. Carr is an award-winning real estate broker in Northern Virginia and authored "Real Estate Investing Made Simple: a commonsense approach to building wealth." He also contributed to Donald Trump’s book, "The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received," and is an active trainer and coach of top producers in the Washington DC market. As a sought-after expert on real estate, Mr. Carr has been featured on CNN, various broadcast outlets and was the former real estate editor for The Washington Times. He accepts questions at his blog www.RealEstateOlogy.org.