Annex: a Universal Design Standard
Annex is a process centered Universal Design standard, which is different to other template-based universal standard. It is necessary, especially in public places, to have generic facilities that meet most people’s needs most of the time or universal design.
Yet relying on templates alone will lead to one-size-fits-all outcomes or over design, compliance gridlock if the template will not fit the building and a reliance on the standard for situations where it was not intended such as home modifications to address a person’s individual disability or functional needs, e.g. a person returning home following a traumatic accident, injury or illness.
ANNEX Housing Standard is different in that it is a method based standard that focuses on implementing process that lead to quality and inclusive outcomes, instead of the outcomes themselves. Annex brings qualified architects and skilled builders to the task of understanding and meeting the clients needs.
The aim of annex is increase the diversity and spread of accessible housing product on the market to better reflect the array of disabilities in the community. This is different to a one size fits all idea of Universal Design standards.
Examples of Universal Designs are the ramps at street kerbs. Removing the step at street corners enabled wheeled mobility users including bikes, prams and trolleys to negotiate the street crossing with greater ease. Another is scissors handles that can be used left or right handed.
These are great examples of a one size fits all universal design solutions, yet applying the same theory to housing results in soviet style tower blocks. Boring: Yes. Is this dignified living? No, we don’t think so.
The greatest danger of this approach is that it’s not responsive to the community’s future and changing needs and result in ghetto housing. An example in Australia is the Menzies era housing commission blocks in Australian capital cities, where the ghetto effect was known after the first block yet pre-commitments ment rolling out hundreds more.
In fostering universal design and design diversity we call on the Mother of Invention; Necessity to play her hand in the creation of homes that are interesting, diverse and adaptable to the changing needs of families and communities.