Inclusive Innovation: Design for All

Universal design is a concept born out of centuries of ignorance toward the special needs population. Still, in the 21st century, this concept is not considered a fundamental design philosophy but a special requirement for a minority of people. Ron Mace an architect, born in the United States with cerebral palsy forced to face inaccessibility and limited opportunities throughout his life. Therefore, he felt the need and fought for the basic rights of each human being regardless of their age, physical or neurological condition to have fair accessibility in the built environment. Thus, the term was coined by Mace in 1985, whose primary focus was on accessible housing with a universal design. 

However, the seeds of this idea were rooted in Selwyn Goldsmith’s own experience and his invention of the “dropped curb” in the 1960s. In his book, Goldsmith advocates for not just the wheelchaired population but for elderly people, people with walking difficulty, people carrying children, or any other obstacles that can hinder one’s day-to-day life. 

This is not a special requirement, for the benefit of only a minority of the population. It is a fundamental condition of good design. (About Universal Design, 2024)

The Seven Principles

The design philosophy for universal design is to create environments that are usable by everyone regardless of their age and physical or neurological needs. It follows a set of seven principles to successfully incorporate them in design, such as:

1. Equitable Use: The design should be useful and usable by people of all abilities.
2. Flexibility: The design should accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use: The design should be easy to understand and use, regardless of the user’s experience or level of knowledge.
4. Perceptible Information: The design should provide clear and understandable information to users, regardless of their sensory abilities.
5. Tolerance for Error: The design should minimise the risk of errors and provide clear and effective feedback.
6. Low Physical Effort: The design should be efficient and minimise physical exertion.
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use: The design should provide appropriate size and space for approach and use, regardless of the user’s body size or mobility.

Policy and Actions Toward UD

Since the last century, in the wake of social revolutions, the acknowledgment of each individual’s varied abilities and needs, along with the design community, the government body of many countries including the US, UK, and India has taken serious action to make it a fundamental design requirement. Such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States, the Equality Act in the United Kingdom, and the Accessible India Campaign in India.

Under these actions, the built environment has gone through numerous modifications in terms of Accessibility Standards, Accessibility Features, and redefining Public Space and Public Transportation Accessibility. Governments and professional organisations have developed comprehensive standards and building codes as legal requirements that mandate the inclusion of accessibility features in the built environment.

Even so, nothing can be forced into implementation unless ethical consciousness is present in each individual in the making of the built environment.

Case Studies

1. The London Underground Accessibility Program: The program’s primary intention is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their mobility or sensory limitations, can use the Underground with ease and independence. This involves addressing a wide range of accessibility challenges, including the installation of lifts and escalators at stations, the provision of tactile signage, and the implementation of accessible ticketing systems
2. Accessible Public Transit in New York City: New York City’s public transit system, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), has taken significant actions to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Through a combination of infrastructure improvements, technological advancements, and policy changes, the MTA has made strides in creating a more inclusive transportation network.

Adopting the ‘Universal’ in Urban Spaces

1. The City of Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona, Spain, has emerged as a global leader in universal design, demonstrating how innovative architecture can be integrated into urban planning to create inclusive and accessible environments. The city’s commitment to universal design is evident in its ambitious projects, which have transformed the city into a model for other urban centres.

One of the most notable examples of universal design in Barcelona is the transformation of the beachfront area, Barceloneta. Before the 1992 Summer Olympics, Barceloneta was a densely populated neighbourhood with narrow streets and limited accessibility. To prepare for the Games, the city undertook a major redevelopment project that incorporated universal design principles.

The redevelopment of Barceloneta involved the creation of wide pedestrian walkways, accessible beaches, and public spaces designed to accommodate people of all abilities. The city also invested in public transportation infrastructure, including the construction of accessible subway stations and bus stops.

Another example of universal design in Barcelona is the Sagrada Família, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Antoni Gaudí. While the basilica is still under construction, it incorporates several features that make it accessible to people with disabilities. These include ramps, elevators, and tactile signage.

2. The City of Austin, Texas: Austin, Texas, has emerged as a leader in urban planning and design, with a strong commitment to universal accessibility. The city has implemented numerous initiatives to create a more inclusive environment for all residents, regardless of their abilities.

One notable example of universal design in Austin is the redevelopment of the Butler Metro Center, a major transit hub. The project incorporated a variety of accessibility features, including ramps, elevators, and tactile signage. Additionally, the station was designed to be pedestrian-friendly, with wide sidewalks and ample shade.

Another successful example is the construction of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s Terminal 2. The airport was designed with accessibility in mind, featuring accessible restrooms, elevators, and moving walkways. The airport also offers a variety of assistive services, such as wheelchairs and hearing assistance devices.

Austin has also focused on improving accessibility in its public parks and green spaces. Many parks now feature accessible playgrounds, trails, and restrooms. Additionally, the city has implemented a program to install tactile paving at intersections and crosswalks.

The Intersection of Technological Advantage and the Disadvantage of the ‘Ability’ in the Built Environment

The 21st century has witnessed a remarkable convergence of technology and architecture, leading to groundbreaking innovations in the built environment. Advancements in materials science, construction technology, and digital design tools have enabled architects to push the boundaries of creativity and accessibility. Integration of smart technology

   3. Virtual and Augmented Reality: Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are immersive technologies that overlay digital information onto the real world or create entirely virtual environments. These can be used to stimulate the experience of navigating spaces with varied needs, allowing architects to identify and address potential barriers before physical realisation.

AR/VR can provide alternative modes of communication to accommodate different preferences and needs. For example, AR can provide audio descriptions for visually impaired users, while VR can offer haptic feedback for individuals with tactile impairments. This flexibility ensures that everyone can access information and participate in activities regardless of their abilities.

Adaptive and personalised content is another key advantage of AR/VR. These technologies can provide tailored experiences based on individual preferences and abilities. For instance, VR can offer navigation assistance for visually impaired users, while AR can provide step-by-step instructions for individuals with cognitive impairments. This personalization ensures that everyone can benefit from the technology.

AR/VR can also create virtual simulations of real or imagined scenarios, such as emergencies, cultural events, or educational activities. These simulations can provide valuable training and experiences for individuals with disabilities, helping them to develop skills and confidence. Additionally, virtual simulations can foster inclusivity by allowing people from diverse backgrounds to participate in shared experiences.

4. Building Information Modelling (BIM): BIM is a digital representation of a building, combining architectural, engineering, and construction data into a single, unified model. Thus, it can integrate universal design principles into the design process from the outset, ensuring that accessibility is considered at every stage. This software can be used to check for compliance with accessibility standards and regulations, such as the ADA.

5. Information of Things (IoT): IoT refers to the interconnected network of devices, sensors, and software that collect and exchange data. It enabled sensors to monitor environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and noise levels, creating comfortable and inclusive spaces for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

References:

1. Center for Excellence in Universal Design (2024). Universal Design Approach. [Online]. Last Updated in 2024). Available at: https://universaldesign.ie/about-universal-design/universal-design-approach
2. Institute for Design and Disability (2003). IDD Services. Available at: http://www.idd.ie/idd_services.htm
3. DO.IT(2022). What is universal design? [Online]. Available at: https://www.washington.edu/doit/what-universal-design-0
4. AECOM (2024). Mind the gap: the future of the mass transit system. [Online]. Available at: https://publications.aecom.com/sustainable-legacies/article/mind-the-gap-the-future-of-mass-transit-systems/
5. Rocky Mountain ADA Center (2024). The Evolution of Universal Design: A Win-Win Concept for All. [Online]. Available at: https://rockymountainada.org/news/blog/evolution-universal-design-win-win-concept-all#:~:text=Universal%20Design%20is%20a%20term,philosophy%20of%20barrier%20free%20design.
6. The Bartlett Review, UCL. Inventing the dropped curb. [Online]. Available at: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/ideas/inventing-dropped-curb#:~:text=The%20invention%20of%20the%20dropped,a%20suitcase%20or%20heavy%20load.
7. Urban Design Lab (2022). The New Normal: Redefining Universal Design in Public Spaces. (October 4, 2022). [Online]. Available at: https://urbandesignlab.in/redefining-universal-design-in-public-spaces/