How to Communicate Universal Design to Architects on a New Website? A Reflection on the Type of Knowledge Requested

Abstract

Based on experiences with the development of a new research-based website on Universal Design meant to inspire and qualify the work of the Danish building sector, this paper examines the types of knowledge requested by professionals in the building sector when working with Universal Design. The Danish Transport, Construction and Housing Authority commissioned a website with the aim of increasing the building sector’s knowledge of Universal Design and supporting a change in attitude towards universal design. The site is intended to function as a platform for disseminating knowledge about Universal Design that can support the regulatory system. The empirical material of the study consists of data from qualitative interviews with actors from the building sector and workshops with the advisory board of the website. The analysis shows that, on one hand, the sector requires good examples of Universal Design and knowledge about users and their needs and, on the other hand, it needs detailed help such as comprehensive checklists to ensure the appropriate process is undertaken. However, technical information about, for example, the gradient of a ramp, does not contribute to an architectural idea and will not change any mindsets in regard to Universal Design. This paper reflects on the duality of requests from the sector using the theoretical concept of liminality. The paper describes and argues for the chosen approach for the website, namely focusing on inspiring and assisting professionals in the building sector to enhance their level of knowledge and support a change in practice towards Universal Design.

Developing Indicators to Evaluate Instructor Management of Sports Centers for the People With Disabilities Based on Universal Design Principles in South Korea

“…In other words, it is important that UD technology, which can be conveniently used together, is applied not only to the hardware field but also to software. Although UD technology has already been applied and actively utilized in various fields other than the field of sports ( 39 – 42 ), it remains to be seen whether it is well applied and operated.…”

‘Frontrunners” Understanding of Universal Design in Architecture

“…In Denmark, the building sector is in a state of transition from accessibility towards UD [2]. For the last fifty years, the accessibility requirements have dominated to such an extent that the field of accessibility has been black boxed, resulting in a fixed understanding of users [3].…”

“…When a new definition of UD as a process was launched by two US researchers in 2012, few professionals knew of the concept of UD [5]. Some years later, the situation was similar in Denmark [2]. In European countries, including Denmark and Belgium, professionals have primarily had a limited understanding of the inclusive aspect of architecture, tending to associate it with care, e.g., hospitals and assisted living facilities [6], [7].…”