How we build Universal Design into any environment

Pinpointing the often numerous opportunities to make a space better for everyone using Universal Design principles is second nature to us. More often than not, it’s a matter of common sense. 

Choosing to place a pillar in one area of a reception area over another can mean the difference between an easy flow of foot traffic with minimal obstructions, and utter chaos. 

To get to this level of thinking requires going beyond consideration of the buildings themselves. It requires an understanding and awareness of every space, and all the spaces between them. 

We need to consider every building, each egress point, how we navigate towards and through them, how we move between public space, streets, crossings, traffic and parking lots. And lots, lots more. 

On top of that, we need to ensure every solution we pose within each space is inclusive and functional. Not an easy task. But here’s a glimpse into how we think about it, and how we make it happen. 

Defining our approach to Universal Design (aka ‘Inclusive Design’)

To be truly universal and inclusive, Universal Design (UD for short) needs to consider and cater for the needs of everyone. In simplest terms, this means it can be accessed, understood and used by those with a wide range of abilities, including those with disabilities. 

For those newer to the concept, by following the UD principles – flexibility, simplicity, intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, and adequate space for approach and use – products, services and environments alike can be more inclusive and diverse. 

Sounds simple enough right? If only it was, then our role would be a whole lot easier. 

Things become a bit more complicated when we consider what ‘universal’ actually means, how it is achieved, what gets measured, and who is overseeing it. 

Beyond minimal standards

When we say our solution upholds UD principles, we’re talking about more than just merely meeting compliance requirements or accessibility standards. 

In Australia, like many other countries with stricter accessibility standards (e.g., Australia's Disability Discrimination Act or DDA) and building codes (e.g., Building Code of Australia or BCA), there are minimal standards a building or construction project must meet to be deemed safe and compliant. 

Buildings that follow these standards may meet minimal safety standards, but that doesn’t mean they are accessible, let alone universally so. 

UD goes far beyond any legislated minimum go-to standards. 

It aims to include everyone in the full experience of a building or space. This is a pivotal point of difference. It acknowledges that ability is not the only potential barrier to full experience of a space. It also recognises gender, sexuality, age, and size, as well as ability. 

When Universal Design is applied thoughtfully and beautifully, it has the ability to make everyone feel like they belong. 

But this ideal state in a built environment doesn’t just happen – everything needs to be thought about. Here’s just a few examples of what we mean by ‘everything’.

Universal Design and the built environment

When we’re talking about UD applications, what we’re really talking about are innovative design solutions that aim to put the user at ease at every turn in the facility. 

Orientation

Being lost is an awful feeling, no matter who you are. 

When anyone enters a new space or an overwhelming space, typically the first thoughts will follow a similar pattern: 

“Where am I?” 

“How do I get to [INSERT LOCATION HERE]?” 

Our job is to make that thought pattern as quick and painless as possible. Using the principles of UD (e.g., perceptible information), signage only forms part of the solution. As wayfinders, we need to build our navigation solutions into the built environment. How? We use every opportunity to help the user see their way without overthinking. 

At an architectural level, we work with our partners to use wider spaces such as atriums and foyers to act as natural navigation points. We exploit spaces into between parts of buildings to provide glimpses to major navigation thoroughfares, such as lifts and major passageways. 

We integrate accessible orientation elements into this thinking too, such as reception desk placement, height and navigation aids for blind or low-vision users. We also need to consider the power of natural light, especially in orientation. Wide windows directing to open spaces can often direct a traffic flow better than any complicated signage system. 

Differentiation

In any wayfinding solution, contrast and colour differentiation are pivotal to the system we overlay within an entire built environment. 

On first glance, the user may not understand why they understand something is different. But we’ve thought about where to integrate an accent in a recognisable way. It may be a slight strip of colour on a carpet square or a step, or a bubble or blistered textural difference along the edge of a key navigational wall. 

These may be little choices in the scheme of the entire environment, but they go far to assist in day-to-day usability for those who require and search for them. 

Experiental

Experience in this area leads you to think differently. It allows the designer to separate the ability questions from the enjoyment ones. Accessibility elements hone in on can someone access or use something. Universal Design is far more inclusive, it asks will someone want to use it, experience it, and enjoy it. 

The difference here is empathy in application. There’s an excitement and a wonder that comes from being in beautiful spaces. Our job is to uplift the excitement that comes from experiencing architectural prowess with a universal sense of belonging. 

We’re there to help make everyone feel they’ve been seen, understood and that they belong, even in the most complex of spaces.