Moving Beyond Accessibility: The Principles of Universal (inclusive) Design as a Dimension in nD Modelling of the Built Environment

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the extent to which the principles of universal design can be used as a dimension of nD modelling of the built environment. Previous work has considered the issue of accessibility and this has provided a basis for further exploration. The difference between accessibility and universal (inclusive) design is important for nD modelling of the built environment. Models that incorporate the dimension of access of an environment rely mainly on quantitative dimensions, with the more qualitative aspect of inclusion beyond the reach of current models, which can only flag up the potential issue to a designer. Emphasis is placed on using building code data due to the ease of transfer of quantitative aspects into an nD model. Universal (inclusive) design takes a more qualitative approach to the design process. This paper explores each principle of universal design and suggests how it may be accommodated as a dimension. It can be concluded that qualitative dimensions are just as important as quantitative in creating inclusion; the challenge is to provide information to the designer that encourages the design to go beyond minimum standards.