Thursday morning on the expo floor of the AIA show in New Orleans, I attended a preview of TOTO's Universal Design Minicourse at their booth (#1227). During the demo, Sean Stadler, Principal of WDG Architects (winner of the 2011 AIA Young Architects Award) wore an Advanced Age Simulation Suit and attempted typical bathroom tasks (such as getting up from a toilet seat), in both a traditional bathroom set-up and in a set-up designed for people of all abilities. It was a bit painful watching Sean struggle beneath the restraints, goggles, and weights that simulated what it would be like to be elderly or disabled. TOTO's demo was a helpful way to show the manufacturer's universal design products, including the NeoRest II Vessel Lavatory, which features a push button on/off control on the front right of the sink with a color-coded water temperature LED sensor.
Architect Sean Stadler feels the effects of the Advanced Age Simulation Suit.
The Neorest II Vessel Lav uses a push button on/off control.
