Universal Design
About this collection
Universal design principles prioritize accessibility for people regardless of age and ability in product and environment creation. The origin of these concepts can be traced to the rehabilitation engineering and assistive technologies that were developed during and after World War II to meet the needs of veterans with disabilities. This online collection explores the industrial design careers of two pioneers of universal design, Thomas Lamb (1896-1988) and Marc Harrison (1936-1998), and features approximately 500 documents and images digitized in conjunction with a web exhibit on the subject.
- To learn more about Hagley Library collections associated with universal design, view the following finding aids and collection descriptions: Thomas Lamb papers, Marc Harrison papers, Marc Harrison photograph collection.
- Image: Coffee pot with Wedge-Lock handle designed by Thomas Lamb. Click to view.
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Pages
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- Photograph Exhibition Announcement featuring an image of a man playing multiple harmonicas
- On cover: 'Ordinary Moments: Expressions of the Disabled Experience; An Exhibition of Photographs by Alan J. Brightman; The John F. Kennedy Library, September 28 to October 25'
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- The Bridge Magazine cover and table of contents
- The Bridge (Feb. 1983)
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- Marilyn Hennessy to Marc Harrison
- Letter concerning the standing wheelchair and the possibility of receiving a grant from the National Easter Seal Society for Crippled Children and Adults.
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- Earl H. Cunerd to Marc Harrison
- Letter indicating the interest of the United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc. in the Rhode Island School of Design projects for the handicapped.
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- Edmond J. Leonard to Marc Harrison
- Letter concerning the housing project at the Rhode Island School of Design.
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- Meeting Notes from Peter Wooding to Marc Harrison
- RISD Review Meeting on Universal Design
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- Sneak previewing kitchen of the 21st century
- Universal Kitchen article from the Boston Globe (Aug. 9, 1995)
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- Susan Yelavich to Marc Harrison
- Letter thanking Harrison for his help in developing a concept for an exhibition on universal design.
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- Ann S. Hudner to Marc Harrison and Jane Langmuir
- Letter containing notes from a meeting on the communication needs for Universal Kitchen.
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- Universal Kitchen letter to Mary J. Reid of Kohler Co.
- Draft of a letter requesting support for the Universal Kitchen project.
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- Dov Glucksman to Glenn Doherty et al.
- Letter to obtain models of the evaporative humidifier for the January Housewares show.