Appraisal of Universal Design Strategies for Enhancing Social Inclusion in The Development of Sporting Facilities

Abstract

Sporting facilities are essential components of public recreational infrastructure for engaging in physical exercise, participating in sporting games, or witnessing sporting events. To design sporting facilities, an important consideration is to ensure that individuals of diverse abilities can fully participate and enjoy sporting events. One way this can be achieved is through the application of universal design ideology in the development of sporting facilities. The aim of universal design is to create products, services and environments that are accessible, usable, and accommodating for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. This paper presents an appraisal of universal design parameters, in order to provide insight on specific design strategies suitable for fostering social inclusion in sports facility development. The research is a literature review paper that relied on secondary sources to gather data. The data were content analysed using thematic approach and the findings descriptively presented in themes, with the aid of a plate, table and figures. The review revealed themes, trends, technical details, challenges, and success parameters for achieving social inclusion through the application of universal design strategies in the creation of sporting facilities. The study aligns with the 11th target of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that promotes developing safe communities and cities to be resilient, inclusive and sustainable.