5/27/2018 Universal Design - Lecture Notes
1/3
Arch 145 | Building Utilities V: Health and Safety in
Buildings
Prepared by KDSuam
Prepared by Krystel Deane S. Suam
Universal Design- Is a design concept that recognizes and values
the different abilities, ages, cultures of
people, in the design of products, built environments and
information systems
- To simplify life for everyone by making products,
communications, and built environmentsusable by as many people as
possible.
- Pinalawak na accessibility not just limited to the
differently-abled /disabled peopleFactors that Brought About
Universal Design
A. Demographics
1. average life span of man increased from 47 (in the 1900s) to
76(at present)2. advances in medicine enabled people to survive
life-threatening diseases (cured patients were
left with disabilities for life.)
3. more people are now living with disabilities due to
accidentsB. Legislationlaws passed by different countries
USA1. The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968
- Removal of what is perceived to be obstacles for employment to
people with disabilities2. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Made the discrimination of people with disabilities illegal.3.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1975
- Guaranteed free education for all children with disabilities4.
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988
- All new multi-family housing be made accessible (apartments,
condominiums, etc.)5. American Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
- Promoted public awareness on the rights of people with
disabilities6. Telecommunications Act of 1996
- Mandated that telecommunications equipment to be designed as
usable by people withdisabilities
PHILIPPINES1. Accessibility Act (BP 344)
- aims to enhance the mobility of persons with disabilities
2. Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (RA 7277)
- provides for the integration of disabled persons into the
mainstream of society
C. Economic Factors
1. Because of globalization, the markets of products are not
only focused on one locality.2. Growth of consumer base3. A need to
design products that will cater to all kinds of people4. Effective
marketing tool
4. Social Factors
1. Growing education on the equal rights/independence among
individuals
5/27/2018 Universal Design - Lecture Notes
2/3
Arch 145 | Building Utilities V: Health and Safety in
Buildings
Prepared by KDSuam
Prepared by Krystel Deane S. Suam
Accessible Design VS. Universal Design
- Individual approach- Specific solution to each group of
persons
- More on following design standardsthat are prescriptive and
needs to bereinforced
- Specialized- Caters only to a special group of
people
- Integrated approach- One design solution to cater to all
the
needs of different groups of people
- Adjustable and adaptable to meetvaried personal
preferences
- User-based design (considers thewidest range of peoples
abilities and
needs)
7 Principles o Universal Design
1. Equitable Use- Design is useful and marketable to people with
diverse abilities- Examples:
o Water closets with automatic flusho Power doors
2. Flexibility in Use- Design accommodates a wide range of
individual preferences and abilities- Examples:
o Automated Telling Machines (ATMs)3. Simple and Intuitive
Use
- The use of the design is easy to understand regardless of
users experience, knowledge,language, skill, or current
concentration level
- Examples:o Instruction manual (in aircrafts/planes) that
contain purely graphics
4. Perceptible Information- The design communicates necessary
information effectively to the user regardless of
ambient conditions or the users sensory abilities
- Exampleso Voice communication and signage in airports and
train stations
5. Tolerance for Error- The design minimized hazards and the
adverse consequences of accidental or unintentional
actions
- Examples:o A double cut door key easily inserted into a
recessed keyhole in either of two wayso An undofeature in a
computer software that allows the user to correct mistakes
6. Low Physical Effort- The design can be used efficiently and
comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue- Examples:
o Touch lamps operated without a switcho Level handles on
doors
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use- Appropriate size and
space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation and use
regardless
of users body size, posture and mobility.
- Examples:o Wide gates at Metrorail stations that accommodate
all users.o Controls on the front of appliances and building
elements
