Reference no: EM133358281

For a successful facility planning project, expertise, energy, and a workable decision-making process are needed. The internal and external expertise that is needed will vary, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Human service administrators have to know whom to involve in the decision-making process and how to best use the services of professionals such as contractors, architects, and designers.

Specific issues, such as universal design, lighting, air quality, and the ergonomics of work and living spaces, must be considered in facility planning. You have the opportunity to discuss the use of universal design in your own facilities (preferably your current or most recent facility) and in public buildings in your community and to compare your findings with the recommendations made in your readings.

1. How do public buildings in your community rate with respect to universal design? (Give one example in detail and name the building and the community, OR identify the type of building and indicate whether it is rural or urban.)

2. What aspects of the building (from Question 1) work well and what is missing? Use the "Measuring Up Edmonton Toolkit" (City of Edmonton, n.d.) or the "Universal Design Guide" (City of Calgary, 2010) as a baseline for your evaluation.

3. Compare your findings to the recommendations made in your readings, the City of Edmonton or City of Calgary guides, or other relevant resources.