Rethinking Universal Design
Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse was recently featured in an Athletic Business article, “How the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse Prepares Adaptive Athletes, Veterans for Outdoor Recreation”.
Read the article here.
Universal Design is the design of an environment to be accessed, understood, and used by all people to the greatest extent possible. For more insights, read below about how we see Universal Design differently.
The landscape design and site patterning invite participants to interact with the surroundings and discover new challenges.
The Challenge
Imagine, for a moment, being in the shoes of someone with a disability, stepping into a recreation facility. What challenges might they face? What barriers would they have to overcome? When we started working on the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse project, these were the questions we were asking ourselves.
Designing the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse presented an opportunity for our team to redefine our approach to Universal Design. Initially, our focus was on creating a facility that adhered to ADA standards, ensuring accessibility for all users. However, working closely with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and Mission43, we quickly realized that this project required a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the needs and perspectives of its users — military veterans, families, and adaptive athletes.
Learning how to assemble, fix and maintain high-performing equipment is part of how the workshop is used. Rental equipment is also available for a variety of outdoor sports.
A new perspective
One of the most significant insights gained during the process was that many of the athletes do not see themselves as disabled. Instead, they view themselves as differently abled—capable of overcoming challenges in their daily lives. As Amanda Spear, a key member of the design team, noted: “Each person has unique challenges on a daily basis. And the things we see as a challenge are routine things for them. It changed the way I perceive disability.” This shift in perception fundamentally transformed our design approach.
We understood that Universal Design is not about highlighting limitations but about creating environments that empower all users, regardless of their abilities. The Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse was envisioned as a facility that fosters independence and confidence, while also providing practical and inclusive solutions for a wide range of needs.
The landscape design carved out a Challenge Course for testing out equipment on the bank of the Boise River.
For example, the Ravine Challenge Course was designed with varying levels of difficulty, giving athletes the option to challenge themselves at their own pace. The course is a blend of trails and bouldering elements, each designed for different levels of abilities, encouraging adaptive mountain bikers to try something new.
At first glance you may not notice but the building itself integrates thoughtful design choices to enhance accessibility and usability.
Seamless floor transitions between indoor turf and rubber flooring
Extra large storage cubbies and padded benches with storage
No sconces and clean lines for the visually impaired
Textured pavers signal to the visually impaired when there is a transition in the landscape
Key design elements:
- Lobby and Gathering Spaces: Designed for inclusivity, the front desk is lowered, tables allow space for wheelchairs, armchairs facilitate easy transfers, and hallways are extra-wide. Floor tile orientation changes at entry points to aid the visually impaired.
- Parking Lot: Exceeding ADA requirements, the lot provides additional accessible parking, larger general spaces for athletes with extra equipment such as kayaks and sit skis, and textured pavers to help guide visually impaired users.
- Locker Room: Wheelchair-friendly sinks, adult changing tables in both open and private areas, and paper towel dispensers (instead of hand dryers) enhance comfort and accessibility for athletes.
- Natatorium (Pool Area): Fully accessible aquatics with ramps and handrails and hot & cold plunge pools. Extra-large cubbies for prosthetics storage, and cushioned benches to prevent skin pinching for para-athletes create a comfortable experience.
Photos by Tobin Rogers
Inclusive Design
Throughout the design process, we maintained a balance between the rugged, gritty aesthetic requested by Mission43 and the need for inclusive amenities desired by CAF. The result is a facility that does not simply meet accessibility standards—it exceeds them. By creating an environment that welcomes a wide range of abilities without focusing on disability, we designed a space where athletes, veterans, and families can come together to train, connect, and grow.
Our expertise lies not only in technical solutions but also in our ability to adapt and listen to the communities we design for. This project redefined how we perceive disability, pushing us to design a space that inspires individuals to test their limits while providing a safe, supportive foundation. The building reflects an understanding that Universal Design is not just about compliance; it is about elevating the experience of all users, creating spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
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