ABSTRACT
‘Universal design’ (UD) is a way of designing for everyone, recognising that the built environment is used by a diverse group of individuals of varied ages, abilities and identities. While originally stemming from disability studies, UD is a broad approach that in the built environment aspires to create spaces that are not just accessible or usable, but inclusive for everyone. Over the 40 years since its conception, how disability is understood and defined has evolved and broadened. Research into all areas of disability, notably neurodivergence, has gained ground. Built environment professionals have a unique responsibility to create spaces that positively impact people’s daily lives at the level of individual experience. UD can underpin design thinking and be integrated into projects from the outset. Through integration in the initial design process, designing for disability has no adverse impact on aesthetics or functionality, but instead presents creative opportunities for design that contribute towards progressing social inclusion. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies have also gained prominence in workplace agendas, with research showing that diversity is good for business. This chapter contains a detailed explanation of UD and a guide to its seven principles as an aid for designers. Examples are provided for each principle, illustrating how this all-encompassing process can be applied in the design of built environments to create high-performance, inclusive workplaces.
