Incorporating Universal Design Principles for Inclusive and Accessible Built Environments

Universal design, also referred to as inclusive design, is an architectural and creative approach that aims to make infrastructure in the built environment accessible to individuals of all ages, abilities, and demographics. The concept of universal design, which aims to benefit all users, was introduced in 1997 by Ron Mace, the Center for Universal Design founder at North Carolina State University, in collaboration with other architects. Universal design principles advocate for structures and spaces that can accommodate diverse abilities, are user-friendly and intuitive, effectively communicate information regardless of sensory abilities, minimize the potential for errors, and can accommodate individuals with different body sizes, postures, and mobility.

Universal design in recent years has assumed growing importance as a new paradigm that aims at a holistic approach ranging in Urban Design. According to D’souza (2001), conventionally, the word universal is synonymous to general and refers to a set of stable, timeless and value-free principles. Moreover, the Disability Act (2005) has defined UD as:

1. The Design and composition of an environment so that it may be accessed, understood and used to the greatest possible extent, in the most independent and natural manner possible, in the wildest possible range of situations and without the need for adaptation, modification, assistive devices by any persons of any age or size or having any particular physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual ability or disability.
2. It also means, in relation to electronic systems, any electronic based process of creating products, services or systems so that they may be used by any person.

Two-Level Approaches of Universal Design 

According to CEUD, Universal Design should accommodate a two-level approach i.e,

1. User–aware design: Pushing the boundaries of ‘mainstream’ products, services and environments to include as many people as possible.
2. Customisable design: Design to minimize the difficulties of adaptation to particular user groups

Principles of Universal Design

Seven principles of Universal design were developed in 1997 by a group of architects and researchers in the design field. These principles ensure that every person, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can navigate and utilize spaces with dignity and independence. These seven principles, along with the examples, are mentioned below. 

Equitable Use

Equitable Use calls for designing spaces that can be accessed, understood, and used by people of all abilities. It eliminates physical and social barriers, promoting inclusivity. An example would be implementing ramps alongside stairs, enabling wheelchair users to navigate effortlessly alongside others.

Flexibility in Use

Flexibility in Use ensures that spaces and elements have multiple functions and can accommodate various user preferences and abilities. Adaptable furniture, adjustable counters, and customisable lighting systems exemplify this principle, allowing individuals to modify their environment to suit their specific needs.

Simple, Intuitive Use

The principle of Simple, Intuitive Use emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that are easy to understand and operate, regardless of an individual’s experience level, language skills, or cognitive abilities. Clear signage, well-designed interfaces, and logical spatial layouts contribute to a user-friendly environment.

Perceptible Information

Perceptible Information ensures that important information is conveyed effectively to all individuals. Visual cues, audible signals, and tactile indicators help guide people with varying sensory abilities. For instance, installing Braille signage provides valuable information for visually impaired individuals.

Tolerance for Error

Designing with Tolerance for Error takes into account the potential for mistakes and provides safety measures to prevent or minimize their consequences. This principle accommodates human fallibility and ensures that design solutions are forgiving. For example, wider doorways allow for wheelchair maneuverability and reduce the chance of accidental collisions.

Low Physical Effort

The principle of Low Physical Effort advocates for the creation of environments that require minimal physical effort to use. This benefits individuals with mobility impairments, fatigue, or other physical challenges. Lever handles instead of doorknobs, automatic doors, and ergonomic furniture exemplify this principle.

Size and Space for Approach & Use

Size and Space for Approach & Use focuses on providing adequate space for individuals to approach, reach, and manipulate elements within a built environment. Consideration of wheelchair turning radii, clear floor space, and adjustable heights of fixtures ensure usability for everyone.

Accessibility Needs for Persons with Disabilities 

People with disabilities also exist in a variety of forms and to varying degrees. Certain disabilities of a physical nature may be visible through the body’s structures, whereas others impair the body’s invisible functions, necessitating adaptations at multiple levels of the built environment. Incorporating universal design for people with disabilities into a built environment entails taking their diverse requirements into account and designing accessible, usable, and welcoming spaces for all individuals. Here are some essential guidelines and illustrations to assist with the process:

• Accessibility and Movement: Installing ramps alongside stairs to provide wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments with simple access. 

Individuals with limited physical strength or coordination will benefit from automatic doors and sensor technology that facilitate entry and egress.

• Navigation and Signage: For individuals with visual impairments, use signage with contrasting colors and large fonts that are simple to read.

Add tactile elements such as Braille or raised letters to provide those who have visual impairments with information.

• Toilets and Facilities: Designing accessible facilities with sufficient room for wheelchair maneuverability and support grab bars.

Including accessible changing rooms and facilities for people with physical disabilities or caregivers assisting a person with a disability.

• Lighting and Acoustic: Assisting those with limited vision or visual impairments by ensuring ample and uniform illumination.

Manage background noise and provide acoustic treatment to improve the listening experience for those with hearing loss.

• Human Factors and Furniture: Choosing furniture that is adjustable to facilitate individuals of varying heights and physical abilities.

Provide armrests and back support for comfort and stability in reclining.

• Multisensory Perception: Engaging individuals with sensory impairments by incorporating tactile materials, textures, and interactive elements.

Utilizing audio and visual signals to provide users with varying abilities with information and directions.

• Electronic Accessibility: Following Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure digital platforms, websites, and mobile applications are accessible to people with disabilities.

For those with visual or motor impairments, providing assistive technologies such as screen readers and keyboard navigation options.

Accessibility Needs for Diverse User Groups 

• Children: Infants, toddlers, and young children require special attention and support in built environments, such as family rooms and play areas. Including and accommodating children with special needs through therapeutic play areas and systems is important.
• Women: Accessibility requirements for women in built environments should account for their diverse age groups, cultural contexts, and life circumstances. As an expectant mother, a working professional, or an elderly mother, built environments must be considerate of gender-specific requirements while maintaining an inclusive and secure character. Diverse types of women’s clothing (saris, salwar kameez, etc.) and footwear (heels, Kolhapuri chappals, etc.) necessitate a particular orientation towards the elements of the constructed environment and their detailing.
• Other Gender: It is crucial to prioritize accessibility for transgender individuals in the built environment in order to establish inclusive spaces that uphold and acknowledge diverse gender identities. Gender-inclusive restrooms and changing areas offer secure and comfortable environments for transgender individuals. Gender-inclusive housing options and policies that prohibit discrimination serve to safeguard the privacy and dignity of individuals. Training staff and personnel in gender sensitivity enhances comprehension and fosters empathy. Digital accessibility, respectful use of chosen names and pronouns, and inclusive healthcare facilities enhance the welcoming environment for transgender individuals in public spaces, promoting their dignity and respect.
• Elderly: Aging is a stage in human life that encompasses various dimensions of human diversity and involves common challenges such as decreased mobility, dexterity, hearing, sight, memory, strength, and stamina. Elderly individuals are at an increased risk of experiencing falls and slip accidents in wet areas such as bathrooms or floors undergoing maintenance. The process of aging presents various physical, sensory, and cognitive difficulties that must be addressed through built environments. These environments should not only minimize physical barriers but also provide services that prioritize and include older individuals. The following accessibility needs should be taken into consideration during the planning and design of built environments.

Barriers to Inclusive Design in Built Environment

Considered an accessibility barrier is anything that limits access to the performance of functional activities of daily life or a dignified inclusion in built environments. The majority of barriers to accessibility fall into four distinct categories: information and communication, Built infrastructure and assistive technologies, services and operations, and institutional and policy management

Any extant built environment in its entirety requires an integrated approach first to assess and review the presence of such barriers, followed by the development of removal strategies and methods. To ensure universal accessibility and a barrier-free experience for all categories of diverse users, all new buildings and urban environments in the conceptualisation or construction phases must evolve a comprehensive accessibility structure.

Reffernces:

Asian Development Bank. (2022). INCLUSIVE CITIES URBAN AREA GUIDELINES. Philippines: Asian Development Bank.

The City of Oslo. (n.d.). The Common Principles of Universal Design. Oslo: The City of Oslo.

C40 Cities. (2021, January). Inclusive & Sensory Public Space in Chennai. Retrieved from C40 Cities: https://www.c40.org/case-studies/inclusive-sensory-public-space-in-chennai/

Chernichenko, A. (2020). UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN URBAN ENVIRONMENT. Retrieved from Future Architecture: https://futurearchitectureplatform.org/projects/eaafe2fe-ec16-40c1-84ce-914ca006b64e/

Samad, N. A., Said, I., & Rahim, A. A. (2018). UNIVERSALLY DESIGNED PUBLIC SPACES BY ENHANCING ACCESSIBILITY AND. International Journal for Studies on Children, Women, Elderly and Disabled, 126-130.

NIUA (2023) : Accessibility, Diversity and Universal Design: https://www.niua.org/harmonised-guide/chapter-2

Mace, R. (1985). “Universal Design, Barrier Free Environments for Everyone,” Designers West