The Importance of Architectural Accessibility in Modern Society

Abstract

The main goal of architecture, as a field that is aimed at designing, planning, and organizing the three-dimensional space for human needs, is to make an accessible environment. That is one of the main factors for the quality of living in a society. Designing without architectural barriers and raising awareness of the needs of people with disabilities in relation to architectural design is a current topic today. By including the needs of the people with disabilities, architects show the ethical note of architecture and its connection with responsible behavior towards the environment and the people for whom it was created. When we talk about designing environment for human needs and in range to the human abilities, it does not mean only for physically healthy people. Considering that around 15% of the world`s population has some form of disability, it is very important to design an accessible environment for as many people as possible. This architectural approach will contribute to increasing the involvement of people with disabilities in daily life activities.Architectural accessibility is an important thing in society because it affects all groups of people, regardless of age, cultural, social, and religious diversity. It helps in increasing social cohesion which is important for the development of modern society. Architectural accessibility is one of the reasons why inclusive education is not completely possible, and that limits children and youth with disabilities to develop their intellectual potential and include them in the educational process. It means that accessibility is in relation to inclusive education and that is important for every society.