Universal design for the home Great looking, great living design for all ages, abilities, and circumstances

"Universal design" as defined by architect Ron Mace, who coined the phrase, is "the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design." Jordan (Making Room: Finding Space in Unexpected Places) shows how a home that is accommodating to all can also have a stylish decor. Some 15 newly built or renovated homes are featured, for which Jordan explains the inhabitants' lifestyles and physical challenges. Color photographs and some before-and-after floor plans show how accessibility standards have been incorporated. A list of resources is provided. Since few books address how to make a home barrier-free without creating an institutionalized look, this book is recommended for all public libraries. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.