Going Whoa @ WOHA Architects

Going Whoa @ WOHA Architects
Not-so-usual lift buttons.

This is a mechanical sleight of hand, or is it a visual illusion? There is a flight of stairs, and then there isn’t – the steps vanish, flattening to a smooth, level surface. You see it happen, you understand, in an intuitive way, how it works, and still it seems magical.

DPA got to know about a certain firm’s custom-designed office for one of its staff who has a disability. We reached out to them for a chat and to take a look. This was how, one sunny morning, WOHA Architects came to play gracious hosts to us at its premises. Continue reading “Going Whoa @ WOHA Architects”

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Inclusion: What Does It Really Mean for People With Disabilities?

Inclusion What Does It Really Mean for People With Disabilities

In Singapore, the term “inclusion” gets thrown around a lot when we talk about how people with disabilities should be treated in our society. You can see this term almost everywhere, from ministerial speeches, campaign slogans to companies motto. But what does “inclusion” really mean?

Most would paint a general idea of inclusion and say something along the lines of “including people with disabilities equally and fairly in society”. But this begs the question. We all have divergent, even contesting, views on what constitute “fairness” and “equality”. Continue reading “Inclusion: What Does It Really Mean for People With Disabilities?”

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Empowering and Enabling Persons with Dementia

Empowering and Enabling Persons with Dementia by ADA
Photo by Alzheimer’s Disease Association (ADA)

Let’s Talk: Empowering and Enabling Persons with Dementia is certainly a not-to-be-missed webinar by Alzheimer’s Disease Association (ADA). Although it lasts for more than an hour but it is definitely worth your precious time to watch the recording till the end.

We were so much impressed by the resilience of Mr Anjang, an elderly diagnosed with young onset dementia many years ago, the journey he has been through, the diets he has on a daily basis to fight against the impacts of the diseases, which disrupt his work and personal life severely. The session was authentic and sharing was open. Continue reading “Empowering and Enabling Persons with Dementia”

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The 7 Principles of Universal Design

The 7 Principles of Universal Design
Photo by Franzie Allen Miranda on Unsplash

Universal design is the design of buildings, products, services or environments to make them user-friendly and accessible to all people. We develop different forms of disability or impairment throughout our life because of accidents, ageing or medical condition. Thus, the 7 principles of universal design have became vital design principles to create an inclusive society, empowering people with different disability to live independently to the greatest extent.

7 Principles of Universal Design

Continue reading “The 7 Principles of Universal Design”

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Code on Accessibility 2019 – Glass Doors

Unframed full-height glass doors must be prominently marked or highlighted with motifs to make them visible. Photo by T.H. Chia on Unsplash

Based on Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Code on Accessibility 2019, unframed full-height glass doors must be prominently marked or highlighted with motifs to make them visible.

The markings or motifs must consist of two horizontal bands, each at least 100mm high and of contrasting colours to assist visibility.

The upper band must be affixed at a height of between 1400mm and 1600mm and the lower band affixed at a height of between 850mm and 1000mm above the floor level. Where each band zone consists of more than one band, the aggregate width of the bands in each zone must be 100 mm or more as shown in image below. Continue reading “Code on Accessibility 2019 – Glass Doors”

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