Livable Communities Awards
By Jan Morgavan
A Call For Creativity!
(Now we have something to look forward to every year. This is great! Be sure to check out the AARP's web site each year for those who have received the Livable Communities Awards.)
AARP and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have come together to form a fairly new joint awards program, The Livable Communities Awards. Actually 2008 is the second year for the program.
This is just one of the many efforts afoot across the US to bring Universal Design and accessibilty in home construction to mainstream living!
You will find a list of the 2007 winners at the link below. Builders from Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, and North Carolina were presented awards last year.
Livable Communities Awards - 2007 Winners
Some of the features of the award-winning projects are:
- "Curb-less" shower stalls
- All-base cabinetry
- Primary pathways are wheelchair-accessible
- Wheelchair-ready
- Bathrooms feature grab bars
- Bedrooms, baths, kitchen, and laundry located on first floor
- Step-free front walks
- State-of-the-art technology
- Handrails in the hallways (apartments)
- Elevators at each end (apartments)
[Excerpt from the AARP website - link above]
The awards are given to recognize
"... forward-looking companies that have constructed creative and unique homes and communities with accessible features that improve the daily comfort, ease of use, and safety, of all their residents, no matter what their ages or physical abilities."
The judges are a panel of experts that are appointed by NAHB and AARP.
Industry Sectors
Awards are presented to the following Industry Sectors with a Small Project and a Large Project given in each Sector.
- Builders
- Developers
- Remodelers
Points Awarded
The judges award points based on:
- Universal Design Features
- Ease of Maintenance and Energy Efficiency
- Exterior Design and Landscaping/Site Design
- Incorporation of Livable Community Design Features
- Stakeholder Involvement.
Congrats goes out to AARP and NAHB for their efforts to further the cause of Universal Design and accessibility in home construction!
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