Universal Design is the art of crafting an environment, be it a building, product, or service, in such a way that it can be readily accessed, comprehended, and utilized by people of all ages, sizes, abilities, and disabilities. It’s not an exclusive requirement for a small segment of the population but rather an essential aspect of superior design. By ensuring accessibility, usability, convenience, and enjoyment in the utilization of the environment, everyone reaps the benefits. Embracing the diverse needs and capabilities of all individuals throughout the design process, universal design results in the creation of products, services, and environments that cater to the needs of different people.
Recent Uniland projects to receive the isUD designation (innovative solution for Universal Design) include:
HANSA Workspace | HANSAworkspace.com
Opened in August 2020, HANSA workspace, a flexible coworking and shared office center in downtown Buffalo, is now isUD Certified (innovative solution for Universal Design). With the certification, HANSA workspace becomes the first coworking and shared office center in North America to receive the designation.
“HANSA workspace serves as a beacon for innovation in universal design,” highlighted Danise Levine, architect and assistant director at the IDEA Center and universal design consultant on the project. “It is a magnificent workplace environment that is functional, flexible, and provides equal access to all users, regardless of ability. HANSA has created something special here and it’s not only the physical space, but also the overall office experience that promotes and celebrates human diversity in every way. HANSA definitely sets the standard for the workplace of the future.”
Many of HANSA’s universal design solutions are seamlessly integrated into the facility and its aesthetics. Some of the most exciting features include a two-level atrium space that provides an abundance of natural light and promotes movement throughout the building, the flexibility and adaptability of open spaces to accommodate different programs and events, a variety of office options based on need and individual preference, meeting spaces that accommodate all levels of collaboration and socialization, and numerous amenities that improve the overall office experience.
For additional information and to Book A Tour of HANSA, contact:
716-271-3900
hello@hansaworkspace.com
www.hansaworkspace.com
Hampton Inn Buffalo-Amherst | Hilton.com
Uniland Development Company opened in 2020 its new $14.4 million, 107-room Hampton Inn Buffalo-Amherst, the first in North America certified in Universal Design. The Hampton Inn Buffalo-Amherst at The Northtown Center athletic complex is isUD certified in Universal Design, an emerging standard for socially responsible design.
Uniland and the University at Buffalo’s Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDeA Center) worked on the hotel, the first Universal Design certified hotel in Hilton’s global portfolio of 6,100 properties with over 977,000 rooms across 118 countries and territories.
“Universal Design is a new certification, a new standard,” said Michael J. Montante, CEO, Uniland Development Company. “This is an important one that we would like to see brought out and gain momentum, not only in hotels but in office buildings, retail buildings and apartment buildings.”
The Hampton Inn Buffalo-Amherst welcomes athletes and their families, corporate travelers, prospective students, and alumni to the University at Buffalo, and Western New York tourists.
The hotel features special amenities to serve sports teams including a large breakfast buffet, state of the art fitness center, and meeting/banquet facilities for up to 80 people. It also includes an indoor pool, laundry room, a lobby shop, two patios, a fire pit and a and paved walkway to the Northtown Center.
