Universal Design

Two websites with information on universal design have recently come to my attention. The first is www.aias.org/aarp. This site presents information on a recent design competition that challenged architecture and planning students to learn more about universal design and designing for an aging population. The results of the 2008 competition, sponsored by the American Institute of Architecture Students and AARP, can be found on the website by clicking on "2008 Results" on the left side of the home page.

The second website is www.nahb.org/capsinfo. This site contains information about the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation that has been developed by the Remodelors Council of the National Association of Home Builders in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB Seniors Housing Council, and AARP. CAPS professionals are "trained in the unique needs of the older adult population, aging-in-place home modifications, common remodeling projects, and solutions to common barriers."

While both the AIAS design competition and the CAPS designation are primarily focused on designing for the aging population, an underlying goal is to design homes that can be adapted as people and families move through the various life stages.

Green Grand Rapids

The Sunday, August 17, edition of The Grand Rapids Press included a special advertising section titled "Greener Living." Along with articles about the green movement in the Grand Rapids area and ads from businesses that focus on green design and green products, there is information on Great Lakes Green, the inaugural conference that is being held on Friday and Saturday, August 22-23, at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. For more information about the conference, including registration, go to www.greatlakesgreen2008.com or www.grpress.com and click on the link "Great Lakes Green" in the list of special secitons located at the bottom left of the home screen. I have added a link to The Grand Rapids Press on the left side of this blog for your convenience. I hope to see you at the conference on Saturday, August 23.

Living and Working in the Grand Rapids Area

The following is an introduction to The Right Place, Inc. and it is taken from the "About the Right Place" page of their website.

"The Right Place, Inc. is a regional non-profit economic development organization founded in 1985 and supported through investments from the private and public sector. Its mission is to promote economic growth in the areas of quality employment, productivity and technology in Greater Grand Rapids by developing jobs through leading business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts."

The site provides a variety of information about living and working in the Grand Rapids area. The Right Place, Inc. can be found on the internet at www.rightplace.org. I've also included a link on the left side of this blog. Be sure to download and view "57 Things to Know about Grand Rapids" and view the video "Live Vibrantly." Both can be found by clicking on the Live and Work Here tab on the left side of their home page.