THE CODE CONNECTION

One of my favorite e-zines is 360mag.com . You can read the teasers on the home page but you need a free member Username and Password to get the whole story. A recent article tells how theaters and moviegoers have been at odds over the rules for stadium style seating. Unfortunately, when the new theater styles came out the owners and their architects were using the only rule book they had, the ADAAG standard in place at that time. And as time passes new issues, previously considered a lower priority are moving to the "front burner." Sight lines are a lot bigger issue today than they were 10years ago. So what can we learn from this? This story just one example of how culture, technology and the law are often out of sync. Architects and building owners who are on the ball are wise consider the long term view. As a general principle designers shouldn't just be thinking about the current "rule book" but looking also for the larger principle of "equal access" or "access for all - everywhere". Whenever responding to the next wave of culture and technology (often driven by money and markets), applying the principles of universal design can make a difference. The rule book is there to help set minimum standards but design professionals have to move beyond this and THINK. Owners have to be persuaded that equal access is an investment and not just an expense. Here's the rest of the story from 360mag.com: ...