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The Universal Toilet Explained

This webinar is part of the RAIC 2022 Virtual Conference on Architecture, now available to stream!

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Length:Ìý1 hour |ÌýWhat's Included:ÌýVideo, Quiz, andÌýCertificate of CompletionÌý

From a design perspective, the Universal Toilet Room may be one of the smallest rooms in a building or outdoor space, but it is certainly the most complex space. Really, since its introduction in the 1970s, the Unisex Accessible Toilet Room has become one of the central symbols of an accessible and inclusive environment. The primary design concept behind this room is that it be large enough to accommodate someone in a wheelchair or someone who needs assistance in order to use the toilet. This room also needs to strategically locate fixtures and fittings and manipulate space, light, colour, texture and materials to better allow people with differing mobility, sensory and cognitive needs to make positive and purposeful choices for independent movement. Everyone wants to use the Universal Toilet Room safely, comfortably and with dignity, for a sustainable community is one that includes everyone.

Learning Objectives:

By the completion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify the most current Building Code Requirements for Universal Toilet Rooms.
• Recognize that the Building Code only represents minimum Barrier Free requirements, and that all designers must design beyond the code to accommodate as many people as possible in the best way possible.
• Summarize the advantages of incorporating Universal Toilet Rooms into all public buildings and outdoor spaces.
• Describe the fifteen (15) major components that make up the Universal Toilet Room.

Subject Matter Expert:

Ron Wickman is an Architect, Author and Activist who specializes in Accessible Architecture. He set up his own Edmonton based practice in January 1995, and his interest and expertise lies in accessible design, that is accommodating to the needs of persons with disabilities. He specializes in providing consulting services for persons with disabilities and for projects focused on affording individuals with disabilities greater choices for independent movement. Ron has first hand experience with creating accessible environments because he grew up with a father who used a wheelchair. He is the author of numerous articles, and two books: Accessible Architecture: A Visit From Pops and Accessible Architecture: Beyond the Ramp. Ron has experience as an expert witness in cases involving persons with disabilities, and has also been a guest speaker and participant in numerous sessions involving accessibility, innovative housing, and urban and community planning. He has also won numerous awards for his design work.