A career outside the mainstream

Edward Steinfeld first started studying aging at the Department of Architecture and Institute of Gerontology at the University of Michigan, with his mentor, Lee Pastalan. His work departed from what became mainstream Environmental Gerontology as he focused on design of the broader community environment as opposed to environments purpose-built for an aging population. While holding a joint appointment at the All-University Gerontology Center and the School of Architecture at Syracuse University, he conducted a landmark research study that led to a major expansion and revision of a consensus standard used in the design of built environments in the United States. This research also underlies, to this day, the requirements of federal accessibility laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards. At the University at Buffalo, SUNY School of Architecture and Planning, he founded the center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access. Over the last 30 years, the Center has conducted research and development activities, consulting services, educational initiatives, and knowledge dissemination in universal design and accessibility. It seeks to advance design of communities to accommodate all citizens throughout their lifespans by enhancing usability, health, and social participation.