Inclusive Housing (Lab) for All: a home for research, demonstration and information on Universal Design (UD)

Abstract

This paper states the underlying concept and motivation of the design and building process of a Universal Design (UD) living lab that opened in 2013. The UD-lab is located in the city centre of Hasselt, Belgium and initiates three main ambitions: demonstration, conducting research and offering information on the added values of Universal Designing. The paper confirms the importance of global real life initiatives in order to drive forward the general awareness on Universal Designing, as ongoing activity. Besides the paper stresses the fact that the impact of small local initiatives may instantly bridge the gap between government, institutions and the population at large by means of a UD-attitude.