Haptic architecture becomes architectural hap

Abstract

Universal Design is a recent design paradigm which aims at handicap elimination in the physical environment and strives for a more humanized architecture. After pointing out the value of Universal Design, the paper advances human centred design as a possible methodology to make this paradigm operational. Key to this methodology is the explicit attention for cognitive human factors in experiencing space and—the focus of this paper—for the role played by the sense of touch therein. With this account this paper hopes to point out Universal Design’s potential contribution to a more beneficent built environment.