Universal Design has been defined as “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” This definition was developed by the architect Ron Mace, FAIA, an architect and the founder of the Center for Universal Design at N.C. State University. In recent years, architects and designers in the US and abroad have come to recognize significant and growing overlaps between Universal Design principles and emerging values of social and environmental sustainability.
This webinar was the first in a three part series sponsored by the Universal Design member-created community on AIA KnowledgeNet. It was recorded on April 11, 2012.
The ADA Design guidelines have been mandatory for commercial facilities and public buildings since 1991. But those guidelines are only the minimum requirements for persons with disabilities. The 7 Principles of Universal Design are more inclusive and could easily be incorporated as well. This course will delve into the differences between the ADA and Universal Design and how a commercial facility can incorporate both into their spaces.
Additional Resources Download the Seven Principles of Universal Design poster from the Center for Universal Design at NCSU. Download the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.