Related Experiment Videos
Clients' Approach to Universal Design - A Slow Change?
1Danish Building Research Institute (SBi), Aalborg University, Denmark.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
|October 30, 2018
Summary
Client ambition significantly impacts building accessibility. Clients prioritizing Universal Design (UD) achieve higher accessibility levels, though UD adoption is currently slow among those adhering strictly to Danish Building Regulations.
Area of Science:
- Architecture
- Building Regulations
- Universal Design
Background:
- Non-compliance with Danish Building Regulations for accessibility often stems from knowledge gaps and low prioritization.
- Client decisions heavily influence the focus and ambition level of accessibility in building design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize clients' conceptions of Universal Design (UD).
- To analyze client perspectives on accessibility and its relation to building regulations and user needs.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of interviews with 15 Danish clients.
- Application of an analytical framework (particular, universal, market, equality) to understand client conceptions.
Main Results:
- Universal Design (UD) is not widely adopted by clients who limit their ambition to regulatory minimums.
- Three client conceptions of accessibility/UD were identified: 'accessibility by design,' 'broad accessibility,' and 'added value.'
- A gradual but discernible shift towards Universal Design is occurring.
Conclusions:
- Client awareness and ambition are critical drivers for achieving enhanced building accessibility and Universal Design.
- Understanding diverse client conceptions is key to promoting wider UD adoption in the construction industry.