Kitchen & Bath Business, April 2008
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Kitchen & Bath Business
April 2008
SECTION: INSIGHT
BYLINE: Sallie Moffat
HIGHLIGHT:
Automation is all about making life that much more convenient. With the touch of a button (or two), the lights come on, the house is kept at a comfortable temperature and the appliances can be programmed to start running at any time of day -- all from a straightforward, easy-to-use interface. And when it comes to Universal Design, automation can dramatically aid those who wish to remain independent, allowing them to remain in their homes much longer.
BODY:
Automation is all about making life that much more convenient. With the touch of a button (or two), the lights come on, the house is kept at a comfortable temperature and the appliances can be programmed to start running at any time of day -- all from a straightforward, easy-to-use interface. And when it comes to Universal Design, automation can dramatically aid those who wish to remain independent, allowing them to remain in their homes much longer.
According to the 2006 Annual Disability Status Report conducted by the Employment and Disability Institute at Cornell University, the prevalence of disability (non-institutionalized) in the U.S. was 6.3% for those aged five to 15, 6.9% for those aged 16 to 20, 12.9% for those aged 21 to 64, 30.2% for those aged 65 to 74 and a staggering 52.6% for those 75 and over. The U.S. Census Bureau has projected that in just two short years, 13% of the population will be 65 or older and that by the year 2030, there will be 9 million Americans over the age of 85. Because Universal Design directly applies to these individuals, the statistics put into perspective the importance of barrier-free design and the creation of suitable and innovative new products.
Enter Growing, from Spanish bathroom furniture manufacturer Zoe Disseny Mobles. Designed by Santiago Martín Martín and Lucía Chover, the vanity contains a motor that allows it to automatically move up and down, depending on who wishes to use it. The idea was a piece of bathroom furniture "that could be easily moved in order to be ergonomically adapted to everybody," said Chover. "We liked the idea of furniture that could grow with people from childhood to old age."
On the front of the vanity is a small control panel with three buttons: one with an "up" arrow, one with a "down" arrow and one with a wheelchair icon. By pressing each button, Growing, which measures approximately 35 1/2 in. wide and 24 1/2 in. tall, automatically adjusts to one of three heights -- just under 32 1/2 in. for adults, about 29 in. for those in a wheelchair and just under 22 1/2 in. for children. And because Universal Design is a broad-spectrum solution for everyone, Growing offers functionality and looks, something traditionally lacking in accessible products. "With Growing, we wanted to create a very functional and good-looking piece of furniture," said Chover. "This is especially important in spaces adapted for disabled people, as we have noticed that they often don't look very nice."
Minimal and contemporary in its design, the vanity comes with a resin sink and a sleek, hands-free faucet "in order to make it easier to use and to avoid uncomfortable postures," explained Chover. Its waterproof, medium density fiberboard structure -- chosen for its resistance and durability in wet conditions -- can be lacquered in any color. A nice option, as Growing can be used in practically any application.
The result of a design without restriction on comfort, safety, functionality or aesthetics, Growing will make life easier for people of all ages, sizes and circumstances, and will look good doing it. For more information, visit www.zoedissenymobles.com.
LOAD-DATE: April 9, 2008
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