Ten questions concerning inclusive design of the built environment

Abstract

In recent years, the design community has witnessed the development of several design approaches aimed at taking into account the diversity of human abilities and conditions during design. One of these approaches is inclusive design, used here as an umbrella term to cover also universal design and design for all. This article addresses some of the common questions that arise when inclusive design is considered in relation to the built environment. It discusses how inclusive design is defined and interpreted, what its relevance, implications and challenges are in relation to the built environment, how it relates to other significant design issues, and how it can be fostered in the future. This introduction to the idea of inclusive design is of interest to built environment professionals and researchers seeking a more holistic approach to the built environment. Foregrounding the diversity in human interactions with the built environment supports reflection on the human impact of design decisions. By offering diverse spatial qualities and use opportunities, inclusive design has the potential to help addressing the challenges of our diverse and ageing society in a sustainable way.

Extending the importance–performance analysis (IPA) approach to Turkish elderly people’s self-rated home accessibility

“…It is an important prerequisite for the elderly to be able to maintain control and independence in their lives. Although there are some home accessibility standards derived from human considerations, they are indicators, which lack information about qualitative data, (Heylighen et al 2017) or data, which correlates the satisfaction levels of the elderly. Thus, there are still serious barriers to accessibility in housing environments.…”

Examining the Impact of Knowledge Mobilization Strategies to Inform Urban Stakeholders on Accessibility: A Mixed-Methods study

“…In addition, the videos and the photo exhibit were evaluated as giving the opportunity to see the accessibility issues from the eyes of people with disabilities. Understanding the perspective of people with disabilities allows for a better implementation of urban practices based on universal design principles [51] and deepens the understanding of the accessibility standards by urban stakeholders [18,49]. On the other hand, the videos were the only KM strategy evaluated as useful to raise awareness around mobility issues experienced by MD users.…”

“…People with disabilities bring experience-based knowledge [15,16] that complements the practical and political expertise of urban planners and decision makers [16,17]. People with disabilities could, for instance, explain how certain accessibility legislation requirements influence their daily experience or offer insights about the qualities of the built environment that goes beyond building standards [18]. This exchange of perspectives can strengthen policy planning and implementation [19,20].…”

Fuzzy Multicriteria for Determining Reasonable Adjustment in Housing

“…The "design for all" group, whose principles should constitute the achievement of the "ideal situation" with regards to any action in the physical environment of buildings. This interest is understandable in light of the ageing population and social changes that are raising awareness about diversity and the need for inclusion of PWD, to guarantee their rights and their participation in society (Heylighen et al, 2017). 2.…”

“…This methodology responds to persons' with disabilities complex reality with regards to the buildings where they carry out an important part of their daily activities. It also responds to the search for an inclusive design capable of promoting the production of spatial qualities and opportunities for diverse use (Heylighen, Van der Linden, & Van Steenwinkel, 2017). This methodology entails three significant improvements regarding the quality of life of persons with disabilities:…”