Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
351002213
label
"Real Life Design" [1995]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
351002213
contentType
document
title
"Real Life Design" [1995]
citationUrl
collections
Lex Frieden Collection: Records on Disability Rights
Printed Materials
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
351002213
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
a1856fd230a69634
ocrText
Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
Donated Historical Materials
Collection/Office of Origin:
Frieden, Lex, Collection
Series:
Printed Materials
Subseries:
Manuals
OA/ID Number:
52104
Folder ID Number:
52104-001
Folder Title:
"Real Life Design" [1995]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
GE
29
.REAL LIFE
DESIGN
g
Some people call it Universal Design. Others call it Lifespan
Design. We think a better, more accurate description is
29
REAL LIFE
DESIGN, BYGE
1
REAL LIFE DESIGN
is simply good design.
It can be appreciated by everybody because it makes
SO much sense in everybody's life.
It takes into account
that most people don't fit the stereotypical norm.
Baby
boomers
in huge numbers are finding out that they
aren't as spry or sure-sighted as they used to be. Along
with the usual problems faced by
an aging population,
REAL LIFE DESIGN also acknowledges a wide range of
physical and mental abilities and impairments. It even
acknowledges that a great many of our most worthy
citizens are
children!
3
REAL LIFE DESIGN
says, for example,
that a woman in a wheel chair
should be able to peel
potatoes comfortably at a sink that is height adjustable.
But SO should her husband who stands over
6 feet tall.
A grandmother
using a walker should be able to literally
pull the shelves of a wall cabinet down toward her with
one hand. But this kind of access is equally convenient for
her
9-year old granddaughter.
5
REAL LIFE DESIGN
really is about design for real life.
It calls for design adapting to people
rather than people
adapting to design.
GE is pleased to be in the
vanguard of this important movement with the products
and information that help builders and
consumers
sort out
their options in the kitchen.
GE's Real Life Design Kitchen features GE ProfileTM Appliances and
Kraftmaid Cabinetry. Its design puts people first and meets the kitchen design guidelines of the
National Kitchen and Bath Association. We invite you to consider designing your next home
or remodeling project for Real Life.
7
REAL LIFE DESIGN
presents an opportunity.
An opportunity to create a home and a kitchen that
appeals to more people.
For builders and remodelers this
could be the key to even greater success.
For consumers,
REAL LIFE DESIGN could create a kitchen and a home that
better meets present and future
family needs.
We don't live in a "Peter Pan World," where no one grows old or is different.
We are all quite different - different heights, ages, abilities, strengths, weaknesses and preferences.
Yet, most of our homes are designed for a "standard" person.
At GE Appliances, we think the time has come for Real Life Design.
We
are committed to fostering the growth of home and kitchen designs that reflect the real needs
of real people - people whose needs will change with time and circumstances.
10
Change in Households by Age Group
2000 vs 1990
Percent Change
50
40
30
20
10
0
Age Group
<5
5-17
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
>75
-10
-20
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census.
This is Real Life. Baby boomers, who comprise
more than 20 percent of the U.S. population. The reality of Real
the largest consumer group in history, are aging. Between
Life is that all of us are aging and most of us will experience some
1990 and the year 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau projects
type of temporary disability in our lives that will prompt us to take
that the greatest population shift will be in the 45-54 age
a fresh look at our home environment.
group, with an increase of 49 percent, followed by a 26 percent
increase in the number of people over age 75.
Real Life Design also considers the needs of
children. A large number of children are at home alone everyday
We live in a world where people are living
after school until Mom or Dad comes home from work. Real
longer. Today, there are more than 31 million people aged 65 and
Life Design eases parents' concerns and allows children to be
older, and 48.9 million people who have some type of disability.
more independent at home and in the kitchen.
Thanks to medical advances, these are also two of the fastest
growing population segments. By 2030, it is estimated that
The beauty of Real Life Design is that
there will be 70 million people over the age of 65, representing
everyone can benefit from it.
11
DESIGN THAT ADAPTS TO PEOPLE
Real Life Design is design that adapts to people, rather than people adapting to design. The snack area of this kitchen
reflects this principle SO well that everyone will feel at home here. It is the place in the kitchen where simple food preparation is made as easy
and accessible as possible.
Vary Counter Heights. Using stock
cabinetry, this kitchen provides three counter
heights: 30", a good height for a person who is
seated; the traditional 36" height countertop;
and 45", a height that is appreciated by people
who are taller.
Make Storage Accessible. Varying the
height of the cabinets makes their contents
more accessible to a wide range of people. In
the snack area, the drawers, roll-out shelves,
island storage, mug rack and the bottom of
the open plate rack can all be reached by a
cook who is seated or a child.
Real Life Design is a natural,
logical, people-first approach
to design. As shown in this
kitchen, Real Life Design
creates living spaces that are
simply beautiful, and that
can be easily used and enjoyed
by the largest possible
population.
12
This kitchen proves that Real Life Design
can be accomplished with stock cabinets and standard appliances.
The options to consider are really quite simple and are grounded in
common sense, such as the realization that not everyone is the same
height.
Consider the Toe kick. A 9" toe kick allows
more clear floor space for anyone who is using a wheelchair or walker.
Provide Knee Space. Key work surfaces in
the kitchen can be made more accessible by providing knee space
for people who are seated. In the snack area, knee space is provided
under the sink and at the table by the microwave.
Open the view. Rather than
keeping all of the ingredients
and dishware behind closed
doors, this kitchen uses open
shelves and glass doors.
The knee space under the
This feature is designed for
sink covers the pipes and
people who have difficulty
drain and provides a place to
remembering where items are
sit down while working. The
stored, but is likely to be
9" toe kick, when combined
appreciated by any busy cook.
with 36" high base cabinets,
allows additional toe space
for mobility aids and provides
taller people with a 45"
countertop.
13
The GE Profile™ Clean Sensor
Dishwasher measures the
amount of water and energy
each load needs. It actually
"senses" the soil level of
the water and decides what
cycle or options are required
to clean the dishes.
The storage in the snack area is
varied, with most items stored
at an easily accessible height.
Roll-out shelves make it easier
to see and reach items stored
in the lower cabinet. A pull-out
work surface is provided for
a cook who is seated, or a cook
of shorter stature. This work
surface even has a cutout that
holds a bowl, which simplifies
one-handed mixing.
When Real Life Design is applied, a thoughtfully made design decision rarely has just one benefit. For example, a 9" toe
kick not only makes it easier for anyone using a mobility aid to maneuver around the kitchen, it raises the GE ProfileTM Clean Sensor
Dishwasher to a level that makes it easier for everyone to use.
The GE ProfileTM Built-In Convection Microwave Oven has a door that drops down within a few inches of table level to
provide easy transfer of dishes into or out of the microwave. It
has sensor cooking that uncomplicates the process, microwave
and convection combination cooking to multiply the options,
and easy to use touch pad controls.
The sink has been set to one side of the
counter to provide the greatest stretch of work area. And, the
sink itself has many features which make it easier for everyone to
use: a shallow sink basin, lever faucet and pull-out spray nozzle.
An added convenience is instant hot water for lunch time soup
or after-school hot chocolate.
The rolling table is conveniently
placed beneath the GE Profile™
Built-In Convection Microwave,
giving a seated cook plenty of
work space. An additional rolling
cart fits neatly beneath the
rolling table and is easily moved
around the kitchen to assist
in food preparation, serving or
clean up.
15
SIMPLY GOOD DESIGN
The beauty of Real Life Design is that everyone can benefit from it. It is simply good design.
Flooring and Floor Space. Real Life Design is sensible about flooring. In this kitchen, it is a smooth vinyl in a light,
bright color with a contrasting border. The border is
appreciated as a design element by those with good
eyesight and as a visual aid by those with limited eyesight.
The clear floor space is generous, more than meeting
the universal design standard of 30" X 48" in front of
each appliance. It allows enough room for more than
one person to comfortably work, move around and turn,
even in a wheelchair.
Appliances for the Real Life Kitchen
should be easy to open, easy to use, and have some features
that give added convenience and flexibility.
In nearly every kitchen,
some items are stored out of
reach. At some point in our
lives the minor inconvenience
of reaching becomes a real
concern, which can be
addressed by adding a built-
in step stool that locks into
place.
16
The GE Profile TM "Built-In Style" Refrigerator
itself is an excellent example of Real Life Design. It has a shallower
depth than traditional refrigerators, which is an advantage from
both an aesthetic and a practical viewpoint. In addition to provid-
ing up to 6" more floor space, the shallower depth makes it easier
to reach items in the back of the refrigerator.
Items are not only easy to reach, they are
also easy to see because this refrigerator has additional interior
lighting, plus clear shelves and see-through storage bins. The
ice and water service on the outside of the door is a conve-
nience everyone can appreciate, as are the slide-out, spill-proof
shelves and Quick ServeTM storage dishes.
Storage is side-by-side, with frozen and
fresh food at varied heights for all users. Modular door bins and
adjustable shelves provide even more flexibility.
The doors are easy to open either by grip-
ping the handles or by sliding a hand through the handles for
leverage. The wide door swing - 150 degrees - makes access
easier for people using mobility aids.
The open shelves above
The counter in this part of
the counter and the clear bins
the kitchen is 36" high, but a
in the refrigerator make it
pull out cutting board offers
ANY
easy to work in this kitchen
a lower work surface for
without having to remember
a seated cook or a shorter
where items are stored.
person.
17
Lighting. Real Life Design considers lighting
to be an essential visual aid. It recognizes the importance of
both the quality and the quantity of light. In addition to
generously lighting the kitchen, Real Life Design is careful to
eliminate glare and harsh shadows, and to provide flexibility
for various users.
In this kitchen, lighting comes from several
sources. There is natural light from a large window. General
non-glare light is provided by indirect up-lighting above the
wall cabinets, and under cabinet lights in the food preparation
area supply increased task lighting.
Studies have shown that at age 60 we need
three times more light than we did at age 20 to perform the
same task. To meet the needs of everyone who will be using
this kitchen, all lights are easily adjustable with sliding
dimmer switches.
Another innovation of Real Life
Design is a base cabinet that is
Lighting in the kitchen is not
really a rolling cart. It features a
determined solely by the source
heat resistant tile surface, curbs
of the light - a window or a
to help contain spills, handles
fixture - but by a combination
on both ends, and a design that
of the light and the surfaces
is as beautiful as it is functional.
that reflect it.
A three-bin recycling center
fits nicely in the corner beneath
the microwave. Bins slide out,
eliminating the heavy task
of lifting, and can be accessed
from both the kitchen and an
adjacent mud room.
Real Life Design is considerate of people. Interestingly, when a design is SO inclined, space is used
more
efficiently.
A
microwave oven, carefully placed on an angle at counter
height, allows cooks to slide items in and out of the microwave
without lifting. It also efficiently uses corner space.
The GE Spacemaker IITM Microwave
Oven is easy to use because of its angled position at counter
height and its touch controls, sensor cooking, "cooking
complete" reminder and word prompting display.
19
PEOPLE-FRIENDLY DESIGN
Real
Life Design is really about design for real life. It calls for design adapting to people. The sink in this kitchen is
an ideal example. By simply pushing a button it is smoothly raised, making it easier for a tall person to work at the sink. It is just as easily
lowered for a seated user.
Generous knee space is provided
thanks to the shallow depth of the sink as well as the
rear location of its drain and plumbing, which is
covered to improve its appearance and insulate users
from hot pipes.
The mechanized sink is so
innovative that one might
easily overlook its other
outstanding features, like
the high contrast faucet,
single lever control, pull
out spray nozzle, soap
dispenser and pop-up drain.
00
20
The countertop is
beautifully designed for
Real Life. It has a raised
contrasting color inset that
helps contain spills and
gives a visual as well as a
tactile cue to people with
reduced vision or people
who depend on the sense
LOAD SELECTION
OPTIONS
of touch. Counter corners
NORMAL
POTS
CHINA
PANS
RINSE
ENERGY
are clipped to avoid sharp
CRYSTAL
HOLD
SAVER
DELAY
DRY
START
RESET
LOCK
START
GE
edges.
Profile
This GE Profile TM Clean Sensor
Dishwasher, the second in the kitchen, is placed at a
traditional height to accommodate the 4" toe kick and
continuous 36" counter height in this part of the kitchen. Its touchpad controls are easy to use and the large graphics make them easy to
read.
The control lockout prevents accidental starting and the display indicates if a rinse aid is needed. Inside, the fold-down tines
and
smart
baskets
offer an extra measure of loading flexibility.
2
The GE Profile 30" Built-In
Convection Oven has many
features that make it an example
of Real Life Design. It is easy
to use with touchpad controls,
an easy to read graphic time
and temperature display, and
an audible preheat signal.
The oven itself has a very
generous interior size, excellent
lighting and seven rack positions
for flexibility. It is self-cleaning
and has a control lockout
to prevent unwanted operation.
To accommodate most any need,
the oven offers four ways to
cook: convection roasting, con-
vection baking, radiant baking
and radiant broiling.
A small rolling cart provides
additional work space wherever
it is needed.
Real Life Design will prompt the
question, "Why didn't someone
think of this before?"
A shelf that brings wall cabinet
storage to a reachable height is
one such product. The handle
is easy to grip. With one simple
pull, the spring-loaded shelf is
lowered and locked into place.
Sometimes all that is needed to create a more people-friendly design is a slightly different perspective. The GE
ProfileTM
Built-In 30" Convection Oven is placed at an accessible height and at an aesthetically pleasing angle that make the oven opening parallel to
the dining table. Dishes are easily removed from the
oven to the heat-proof table with a minimal amount
(6-12") of lifting.
Because the kitchen is often the
center of activity in the home, most kitchen tables
double as a desk or study table. Such a use was anticipated
in this kitchen, where the bookshelves, which smartly
use the wall space behind the angled oven, provide a
handy storage area.
23
DESIGN THAT PUTS PEOPLE FIRST
Because Real Life Design focuses on people, ease of use is given careful consideration. That is why a smooth cooktop,
which is easy to clean and easy to slide cookware across, was selected for this kitchen.
The cooktop is set into a heat-proof tile counter, making it easy to slide pots and pans from the smooth cooktop to the
countertop. The tile forms an easy-
to-clean backsplash behind the GE
Telescopic Downdraft System, which
raises to 7" above the cooktop surface
and retracts when not in use.
Smooth cooking surfaces include
induction, radiant and a halogen/radiant
combination. The GE Profile TM Halogen
and Radiant Cooktop offers the flexibility
of two cooking options. Halogen heat
comes from a halogen heat source and
responds instantly, like gas, when it is
turned on. Radiant heat comes from
electric coils, which provide even heat
beneath the smooth cooktop. An extra
measure of security is provided by the
hot surface indicator lights that clearly
show which heating element is on.
24
Easy to open. Good design often simplifies
the process. If the process is opening a cabinet to reach a pan,
why open a door and then slide out a shelf? Those two motions
can be replaced by one - opening a full-extension deep drawer.
Priority should also be given to easy-to-grip
handles, rather than knobs.
Contrasting colors. People with visual
impairments will appreciate the contrast of the tile's navy and white diamond design. Light colored ingredients are much easier to see
against a dark surface.
Under the cooktop, the
cabinet doors fold back
out of the way, providing
valuable knee space,
without protruding into
the room.
25
Q&A
Real Life Design can be viewed as a new way of approaching the design process. It puts people first
as it creates kitchen and home designs that adapt to people, rather than requiring people to adapt
to design. Although this design approach is simple, its application is novel. GE Appliances has found
that many builders, remodelers and consumers are interested in the concept of Real Life Design,
and have practical questions, many of which are answered here.
Q
What is the minimum size kitchen that can accommodate
Real Life Design ideas?
Q
Does the law say that single family homes have to be made
more accessible?
A
Virtually any size kitchen can have Real Life Design
A
In most cases, no. GE's Real Life Design project was not
features. Plan on allowing a 30" X 48" minimum clear floor
inspired by any laws, but by the real needs of real people -
space at appliances (based on ANSI A117.1, 1992).
people who are making home buying decisions. (See page
30 for a brief explanation of the laws and rules regarding
Q
building design for people with disabilities.)
Does GE have more information about how I can begin
to plan a home using Real Life Design concepts?
A
Q
Does Real Life Design require custom cabinetry?
Yes, GE Appliances has developed a seminar for home
builders, remodelers, builder distributors and retail
A
No, all of the cabinets in our Real Life Design Kitchen
dealers who serve the remodeling business. It describes
are stock. They are made to order by KraftMaid Cabinetry.
how Real Life Design can easily be integrated into your
plans and how you can use it as a competitive advantage.
If you are interested in the seminar, please contact your
GE Area Sales Manager about bringing the seminar to
your city.
26
Q&A
Q
How can Real Life Design be accomplished for a first-time
Who in your family is tall or short?
home buyer on a budget?
Who in your family needs or would appreciate extra
lighting?
A
Budgets are part of Real Life. The kitchen we feature inthis
What special safety concerns do you have?
brochure is a treasure-trove of ideas. Many of the ideas can
Do you find that some items in traditional kitchens
be done with no additional expense, like selecting appli-
are out of your reach?
ances that are thoughtfully designed, specifying handles
rather than knobs, specifying a faucet with a lever and a
shallow sink and selecting a smooth flooring. Other ideas
Q
What counter heights should be included in a kitchen?
can be integrated in your design with little additional cost,
like variable height counters, knee space near appliances,
A
We recommend incorporating these counter heights in
heat-proof countertop surfaces and additional lighting.
most kitchens: 42" to 45" for cooks who are standing,
36", the standard height, and 30" for seated cooks and
children.
Q
As a builder, what are some of the questions I should ask my
customers to see if Real Life Design will appeal to them?
Other countertop suggestions:
A
Keep in mind that Real Life Design is design that appeals
Provide some heat-proof surfaces (especially near
to many people. We think you'll find that your customers
cooking appliances).
will appreciate to the following:
Consider a raised edge detail to prevent spills and give
a visual and tactile reminder of the countertop edge.
Who in your family likes to, or needs to, sit down while
Provide both dark and light counter surfaces for visual
preparing food?
contrast. It is easier to see light colored ingredients
Does more than one person in the family cook or
on a dark surface, and vice versa.
prepare their own snacks? What ages?
Eliminate sharp edges and corners on countertops.
27
Q&A
Q
What features should I look for in appliances?
Wall Ovens
Generally preferred because they may be installed SO that
A
When planning for the Real Life kitchen, select appliances
one rack is at the level of an adjacent countertop, reducing
that are easy to open, easy to use, and that have easy to read
the need to bend. Features to look for: self-cleaning, easy
graphics and other features that give added convenience
to read graphics, easy grip handle, control lock-out and
and flexibility. GE Appliances has a wide range of products
generous interior lighting.
that apply, in various price ranges.
Microwave Ovens
Refrigerators
Many touch control microwave ovens, if placed at counter
Side-by-side is generally preferred by people who are
height, meet Real Life Design recommendations.
short or seated. Some top-mount refrigerators have freezer
Some other features to look for: sensor cooking, "cooking
storage within the universal reach range of 15 - 44".
complete" reminder, word prompting and automatic
cooking functions.
Range
Controls located on the front of the range are preferred SO
Washers/Dryers
the cook does not have to reach across hot burners. Self-
Look for models that can easily be loaded and unloaded
cleaning ovens are appreciated by most people. Knee space
by people who are mobility impaired. Controls should be
adjacent to the range will increase accessibility to the oven.
within easy reach.
Cooktops
Dishwashers
Generally preferred for people who are mobility impaired,
Features to look for: automatic cycle selection, control
because cooktops can be installed at varied heights, with a
lock-out, flexibility in loading, easy to read display and
knee space beneath. Consider smooth cooktops, with
problem indicators.
burners as flush as possible, for easy sliding of pots and pans.
28
ADDITIONAL SOURCES
This is a list of some of
American National
Fair Housing Information
National Rehabilitation
the agencies and organizations
Standards Institute
Clearinghouse
Engineering Center on Aging,
with more information on Real
(ANSI Standards)
(Fair Housing Guidelines)
Department of
Life Design. If you would like
1430 Broadway
P.O. Box 6091
Occupational Therapy
a copy of a print resource list,
New York, NY 10018
Rockville, MD 20850
State University of Buffalo
call the GE Answer Center®
212-868-1220
800-343-3442
515 Kimball Tower
consumer information service
Buffalo, NY 14214
at 800.626.2000 and request the
Association for Safe
Independent Living
716-829-3141
Real Life Design Reading List.
and Accessible Products
Research Utilization Project
1511 K Street NW
2323 S. Shepard Street
Pro Matura
Access Board
Suite 600
Suite 1000
428 No. Lamar Boulevard
(ADA Accessibility Guidelines)
Washington, DC 20005
Houston, TX 77019
Oxford, MS 38655
1331 F Street NW, Suite 1000
202-347-8200
713-520-0232
601-234-0158
Washington, DC 20004
800-872-2253
Center for Universal Design,
National Center for
North Carolina State University,
Disability Services
For local information,
Adaptive Environments Lab,
School of Design
201 I.U. Willets Road
we suggest that you contact
School of Architecture
Box 8613
Albertson, NY 11507-9850
your state's Independent Living
and Planning,
Raleigh, NC 27695
516-747-5400
Center, State Office of
University of Buffalo
800-647-6777
Disabilities (may be called
390 Hayes Hall
National Council on
Governor's Commission, Council
Buffalo, NY 14214
Disability Rights Education
Independent Living
on the Rights of People with
716-829-3483
Defense Fund
2111 Wilson Boulevard
Disabilities, or Protection and
2212 Sixth Street
Suite 405
Advocacy Program), and the
Adaptive Environments
Berkeley, CA 94710
Arlington, VA 22201
local chapters of advocacy
374 Congress Street
800-466-4232
703-525-3406
groups (Easter Seals, Paralyzed
Suite 301
Veterans, American Association
Boston, MA 02210
Disabled American Veterans
National Federation
of Retired Persons, etc.).
617-695-1225
National Service Headquarters
of the Blind
807 Maine Avenue SW
1800 Johnson Street
American Association
Washington, DC 20024
Baltimore, MD 21230
Note:
of Retired Persons (AARP)
202-554-3501
410-659-9314
We are pleased to report that
601 E. Street NW
there are a growing number
Washington, DC 20049
Eastern Paralyzed Veterans
National Kitchen & Bath
of agencies and organizations
202-434-2277
Association
Association
that focus on designing for
7520 Astoria Boulevard
687 Willow Grove Street
diversity and design for people
American Occupational
Jackson Heights,
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
with disabilities. We have made
Therapy Association, Inc.
NY 11370-1178
908-852-0033
every effort to be as thorough
4720 Montgomery Lane
718-803-3782 or
and complete as possible in
P.O. Box 31220
252 7th Avenue, 2nd floor
compiling this list.
Bethesda, MD 20824-1220
New York, NY 10001
301-652-2682
212-924-7230
29