Barrier-free entrances

It has long been a matter of course that in public buildings like shopping centres, hospitals or airports entrances are obstacle free, in the sense of threshold-free planning. In residential buildings this is still, unfortunately, rather the exception than the rule. The majority of dwellings are approached via one or more steps; exacerbating and impeding the accessiblity for many residents, particularly the elderly. These constructional standards must be adapted to coincide with the demographic modification of today´s society, and the desire of so many to lead independent lives as long as reasonably possible. The increase in ambulant care is another factor when considering threshold-free design. All in all, the entire vertical access within residential buildings must be reconsidered, private lifts being necessary to ensure that inhabitants can reach their entire surroundings – living doesn´t stop at the front door.