The UDI³-Framework: Unravelling a Design Context in Which Knowledge on Universal Design Can Be Built

Abstract

When architecture is experienced as very inclusive and comfortable by a diversity of users, one may wonder how the designer managed to build up the necessary Universal Design knowledge, that is, the knowledge needed to successfully translate diverse user needs into one inclusive design result. In this paper, we aim to learn from practitioners who successfully took up this challenge. The design process of three best practices for Universal Design were reconstructed and analyzed in order to examine the ways the architects had set up the design context which allowed them to build knowledge on Universal Design related to a specific design project. Next to an analysis of design materials, twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, including the design team, client and end-users. Findings indicate three different levels that can directly affect the design context in which knowledge on Universal Design can be built throughout the design process: the (1) individual, (2) interactive and (3) integrative level. This resulted in the development of an overarching framework, which we named the UDI 3-framework, to provide more insight into architects' complex process when building knowledge on Universal design. As such, it can also facilitate practitioners when adopting a Universal Design strategy.