What is Universal Design?
- "Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability. An environment (or any building, product, or service in that environment) should be designed to meet the needs of all people who wish to use it." - Centre for Excellence in Universal Design
- Developed in 1997 by a group of architects, product designers, and engineers at North Carolina State University
- Built around seven design principles:
- Developed in 1997 by a group of architects, product designers, and engineers at North Carolina State University
- Built around seven design principles:
- Principle 1: Equitable Use
- Principle 2: Flexibility in Use
- Principle 3: Simple and Intuitive Use
- Principle 4: Perceptible Information
- Principle 5: Tolerance for Error
- Principle 6: Low Physical Effort
- Principle 7: Size and Space for Approach and Use
Universal Design and Barcelona
Barcelona employs universal design throughout the majority of its public spaces and transportation through the implementation of design principles such as open space and ease of access for people all all abilities, which we will go into more detail shortly.