Completed projects
Mary Free Bed YMCA
The Mary Free Bed YMCA was designed around the principles of universal design: The idea that a space, building or product can be created in a way that makes it usable by a diverse range of people. The 36-acre, LEED-certified complex is home to a wide range of fully-accessible health and wellness spaces including swimming pools, basketball courts, soccer and baseball fields, a 1/5 mile track, 12,500 sq. ft. of fitness equipment, a teen center and childcare area, and a healthy living center with a farm and greenhouse. The facility is most unique in that it incorporates the principles of Universal Design to be inclusive of every member of the community, regardless of age or physical ability. As the first Universally Designed building in the world, the Mary Free Bed YMCA helps reveal the ways in which design can increase diversity and participation, while decreasing the stigma and segregation of traditional fitness centers.
Mary Freebed YMCA Brochure
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Miracle Park, Rock Hill, South Carolina
Though proud of this work, the City felt there needed to be a physical space dedicated to those of all ability levels. The City was approached by residents and representatives from Max Abilities, a local nonprofit board supporting individuals with disabilities, about
building a field as part of the Miracle League. Through a collaborative effort with community partners, families, recipients of services through Max Abilities, and supporters, the vision evolved to build Miracle Park, an all-inclusive experience that would give residents of all different abilities an opportunity to play and work locally. The 15-acre park includes two miracle baseball fields, two multi- purpose fields, a fully inclusive playground with a national site certification for inclusive play, walking paths, shelters, golf area, fishing pond, and a café and retail component.
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Critter Barn, Zealand Michigan
The Critter Barn is an educational farm in Zeeland, MI that raises animals and serves as a popular destination for local families and school groups. Citing a study from Annerstedt & Wahrborg, 2011, executive director Mary Rottschafer explained, “Human- animal interactions improve intellectual and social outcomes in youth including their capacity for directed attention, increased problem-solving, communication, and behavioral management.” The Barn’s site and building plans have included accessibility as a high priority, in order to reach all children no matter their background or ability. During a recent expansion project, The Critter Barn partnered with Progressive AE to complete a UD assessment while conducting research with disability advocate groups and the community.
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Ecuador Convention Center
The Global Universal Design Commission (GUDC), awarded the Metropolitan Convention Center of Quito (CCMQ) the Universal Accessibility and Design certification, making it the first public building of Ecuador and Latin America to receive this mention for complying with the regulations that this type of construction requires. The mention obtained was made by GUDC, through its representative in Ecuador, the company FMR S.A., who made an analysis of the plans and recommendations to obtain the certification in Accessibility and Universal Design.
The building complies with the Ecuadorian regulations on accessibility to the physical environment defined by the INEN and the Ecuadorian Construction Standard – Universal Accessibility Code NEC-HS-AU, which carries out an in-depth analysis of the infrastructure and includes different areas. Learn More about the certification
BBI space in College of Law’s Dineen Hall Syracuse University
The Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University advances the full inclusion of people with disabilities, creating innovative solutions to the challenges they face. When they were preparing to renovate a space in Dineen Hall, Progressive AE was brought on board to work with the architect and university to leverage our expertise in Universal Design best practices. Leadership from Syracuse University and BBI were open to exploring Universal Design strategies creating more inclusive, accessible and safer design solutions. The offices are universally designed, which goes beyond accessibility, creating built environments that may be accessed, understood and used by everyone regardless of age, size or ability. The reconfiguration includes wide, technologically advanced doors, soft lighting, open corridors and flexible workstations. Learn More about BBI’s space in Dineen Hall
Merck (MSD) receives Universal Design Silver certification for their Kolkata, India Regional Sales Office.
Merck continues to improve lives by creating inclusive work environments. The sales office implemented a number of universal design strategies including enhanced wayfinding, visual cues for egress, elimination of protruding objects, non-glare finishes, a reduction in reach range and improved maneuvering clearances.
Learn More about Merck & Co Universal design Certification
