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Villeroy & Boch won the iF Universal Design Award 2016 in Munich for two of its product concepts: the O.novo Vita sink and the O.novo Vita toilet and toilet seats.

The toilet and toilet seats were crowned as Universal Design Expert Favorite 2016, and the sinks received awards in the two categories, Universal Design Expert Favorite and Universal Design Consumer Favorite 2016.

The O.novo Vita sinks and toilet were selected for this year’s contest by Universal Design expert Michael Schlenke. This marks the third year Villeroy & Boch has participated in the iF Universal Design Award.

Michael Schlenke, founder of the consulting firm The Caretakers, explained his choice: “Thanks to their non-stigmatizing design by the Villeroy & Boch team, the selected O.novo Vita product concepts offer a multi-generational approach that's in line with the criteria set forth by Universal Design.

The recognized O.novo Vita product concepts

“The bathroom is one of the most important rooms inside the home and should meet the needs of a variety of users. A well-designed toilet and sink are easier to use for people of all generations,” Michael Schlenke stressed.

“For the sinks, Villeroy & Boch developed a concept with various options. A visible handle along the front offers support and ensures the safety of all users. The second option features an invisible finger groove underneath the sink that is easy to feel. Both options allow users such as elderly or wheelchair-bound people to pull themselves up while seated. The sinks are easily accessible and have plenty of legroom underneath. Generous shelf areas offer room for accessories.

The concept of the O.novo Vita toilet combines a modular, retrofittable toilet and a toilet seat with special features. Thanks to an integrated finger groove in the toilet seat, the lid can be opened and closed without the need to touch soiled surfaces. The high-contrast, blue color of the toilet seat serves as a cue for people with visual impairments. Special hinges on the toilet seat ensure stability and make it easier to use for people in wheelchairs.”

The two O.novo Vita products had previously carried the distinction “recommended by Universal Design expert.” The distinction helps architects, building planners and consumers select products that make life easier and provide a variety of support features.

Download the expert recommendation by Michael Schlenke as a PDF file:
O.novo Vita toilet
O.novo Vita sink

 

Factbook accessible bathrooms

What does accessible mean for the planning process? Which design aspects are important to consider, and which standards must be met?

The Fact Book provides the answers and introduces accessible solutions from Villeroy & Boch.


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