Investing in the Future of Architecture

MORROW, Ga., Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- TOTO, the global thought leader on Socially-Sustainable Design (the confluence of Universal Design and environmental sustainability), looks forward to this inclusive design philosophy becoming a dominant part of mainstream architecture's best practices in the coming decades.  To that end, the company financed a professional education trip for 17 leading American architects to visit its Universal Design Research Center for Advanced Science & Technology (the only one of its kind in the world) in Chigasaki, Japan.  During this weeklong excursion, TOTO also orchestrated opportunities for the visiting architects to meet for lively discussions on the topic with renowned Japanese architects in the field of Universal Design and sustainability and tour key facilities in Tokyo and Yokohama that focus on these initiatives.  

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"Architects are stewards of the built environment," said Lenora Campos, Ph.D., corporate spokesperson.  "TOTO wishes to collaborate with these designers of tomorrow's homes and commercial buildings to ensure that their structures are inhabitable, usable, and effective for all people, no matter their age or ability, and have minimal impact on the environment."

TOTO designed and implemented this continuing education trip as an aspect of its Strategic Partnership with the American Institute of Architects, which is intended to connect the architectural community with key industry leaders like TOTO and, in so doing, expand the sharing of knowledge, increase the access to vital information, and advance the timely discussion of key issues facing the profession of architecture.

"Socially sustainable design is a key component of an emerging global concept of 'good design,''' said architect William Leddy, founding Principal of Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects.  "It is not an additive element, but is carefully woven within the fabric of inspiring places and things that welcome and sustain all people.  TOTO's commitment to continued research in this area is bringing a significant focus on, and deeper penetration of, these values to the world."

For more than 30 years, TOTO has developed premium-plumbing products based on its "Five Principles of Universal Design":

• Minimal physical exertion
• Simple and intuitive
• Adaptability
• Comfort
• Safety

The company recognizes that its products are invariably used every day and by everyone.  With this in mind, TOTO firmly believes in the importance of creating products that take into consideration not only the needs of the elderly or people with special physical challenges, but also the needs of all people of all ages and abilities, including, for example, pregnant women and growing children.

"Enabling residents to live in their own homes safely, conveniently, and economically throughout their lives contributes immeasurably to their 'quality of life,''' stated Stefani Danes, principal with the firm of Perkins Eastman Architects.  "Designing residential buildings that support a full life cycle is socially, economically, and ecologically sustainable.  The work TOTO has done at its Universal Design Research Center demonstrates that 'good design' supports a variety of people's needs and accommodates various functions beautifully, without drawing attention to itself."

TOTO established its Universal Design Research Center for Advanced Science & Technology in 2002 and simultaneously developed a network of more than 280 people of varying ages and physical abilities from inside and outside the company to test its products on an ongoing basis.  Such testing takes place in the Center's observation studios, where products are closely monitored as users interact with them to discover what specific things people find difficult to use or inconvenient.  

Concerned that its product designers and engineers experience firsthand the reduced physical movements (range of motion) of individual with special needs, TOTO designed a system that adds weights to the joints of their arms and legs.  In this way, they are able to understand – at the physical and emotional level -- the difficulty these people have rising from a sitting to standing position, lowering themselves from a standing to a sitting position, and getting in and out of enclosures such as tubs and shower stalls, to name but a few the tests conducted.  Its Visual Acuity Simulator uses special frosted glass to recreate the dim sight experienced by a person of low visual acuity (this simulator does not include presbyopia).

In addition to visiting its Universal Design Research Center, TOTO's professional education trip included opportunities for the visiting architects to gain additional knowledge by touring and/or meeting with:

• TOTO's Yokohama Showroom, displaying the latest in products for the kitchen and bath, which incorporate the company's socially-sustainable design principles
• Yokohama Home Collection, a collection of contemporary Japanese model homes
• TOTO's Technical Center and Hydrotect Technology Display
• Mori Art Museum
• Shiyhuba Public Transportation Station, a socially-sustainable structure designed by famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando
• A presentation by Satoshi Kose, Professor of Architecture, Shizuoka University of Art & Culture, on the future of universal design
• Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition 2010, the largest in Japan
• Panasonic's Living Showroom, a socially-sustainable showcase
• Toyota's Universal Design Center

High-resolution digital photos from the Architects Universal Design Continuing Education Trip to Japan area available for download from TOTO's Online Press Room or immediately upon request.  

About TOTO:

TOTO is the largest plumbing manufacturer in the world with 80 affiliated production facilities globally.  Since 1917, TOTO Ltd., Japan, has been a pioneer in high-performance plumbing systems that bring consumers superbly designed water and energy efficient products. In 1989, TOTO entered the US market with a driving commitment to enhance the human experience by innovating water technologies of the highest order, while passionately protecting the planet's natural resources. The winner of numerous domestic and international awards and recognitions, TOTO USA is certified by ISO 14001: 2004 and ISO 9001: 2000. The only plumbing manufacturer to be honored as Water Efficiency Leader by the Environmental Protection Agency, TOTO seeks perfection by design as it continuously innovates sustainable water technologies that enhance the lives of its customers and the environment.  TOTO USA continues to raise industry standards and consumer expectations as to what is possible in the bath space, as its name is synonymous with beauty, performance, and craftsmanship.

For more information, please visit www.totousa.com or call 888.295.8534, Option 5.

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