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Article: Accessible outdoor rooms: outdoor spaces are an important part of a home. A properly designed area can be the best "room" in the house--and is often the least expensive yet most luxurious addition.
- Article from:
- Paraplegia News
- Article date:
- August 1, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Paralyzed Veterans of America. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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You can use outdoor areas as reading, living, recreation, or dining rooms--or even kitchens. Quality outdoor spaces are those where design elements are used appropriately.
Function and available space are the guiding design factors. In a wheel-chair user's home, maneuverability and access from adjacent areas must also be considerations. Accessible transitions from indoors to the outdoor space must be provided. An accessible path from one outdoor space to another is also important.
Many historical examples of outdoor spaces that have been preserved are those of kings, emperors, and wealthy noblemen, but outdoor rooms have humble beginnings. Since the ...