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University of Architecture and Urbanism “Ion Mincu” – Bucharest
UAUIM→Faculties→The Faculty of Architecture→Architecture→Optional Courses→Inclusive Architecture / Universal Design
Facultatea de Arhitectură

ST-113 Inclusive Architecture / Universal Design

The Faculty of Architecture / Architecture
4th Year, sem 2, 2024-2025 | Optional Course | Hours/Week: 2C | ECTS Credits: 2
Fișa disciplinei:
FA-A ST-113 Arhitectura incluziva - Design universal.pdf
Department:
Technical Sciences
Course Leaders:
lect.dr.arh. Oana Mihăescu
dr.arh. Iris Popescu
Teaching language:
Romanian
Learning outcomes:
General objective: Navigating all stages of inclusive design to integrate accessibility and inclusion as fundamental components of architecture.

Specific objectives:

1. Identifying existing perceptions of disability, accessibility, and inclusion.
2. Reducing biases about disability by expanding its definition beyond the medical model.
3. Recognizing the limitations created by "universal solutions".
4. Raising awareness of the vast range of potential contextual, temporary, and permanent disabilities and their intersections, without segregating users into strictly defined categories.
5. Developing the ability to gather relevant information through direct interactions with people, complementing and diversifying online research sources.
6. Understanding the difference between accessibility retrofitting measures and the inclusive design process.
7. Building the capacity to identify examples of exclusion caused by the built environment for different types of disabilities (temporary, permanent, contextual).
8. Developing the ability to propose architectural solutions that promote inclusion and accessibility.
9. Familiarizing with tools architects can use to gather useful information across all 5 stages of the inclusive design process: exploration, creation, detailing, implementation, and Post-occupancy Evaluation.
Content:
1. Exploration Module – Understanding the need for an inclusive approach by applying empathy exercises before starting any project.

2. Creation Module – Methods for understanding the work context, identifying the team required to initiate and carry out the project, and defining in a participatory way all criteria that shape the architectural concept.

3. Detailing Module – Methods for defining the work plan and developing the project alongside the inclusive team.

4. Implementation Module (construction / prototyping) – Methods for managing the architectural / design project's implementation in collaboration with builders and other specialists.

5. Post-Occupancy Evaluation Module – Methods for evaluating the project's impact during its operational phase, assessing the benefits achieved, and incorporating relevant findings into future projects.
Teaching Method:
Interactive courses (illustrated lectures, discussions, critical analyses, explanations, questioning, exercises), which benefit from the participation of guests with various (dis)abilities.
Assessment:
Continuous assessment (illustrated lectures, discussions, critical analysis, explanations, questioning, interactive exercises) carried out by quantifying active participation in the course – 50%

Final summative assessment (in-session exam) – 50%
Bibliography:
AMAIS (Association of Alternative Methods of Social Integration), Public spaces without barriers. Recommendations for accessibility, The World Bank, 2022. https://amais.ro/proiecte/spatii-publice-fara-bariere/

Popescu, Iris, Inclusive Design: Empathy Exercises in Design, AMAIS, 2023.

Popescu, Iris, (Inclusive) Design – It All Starts By Listening, Paideia, 2023.

Frandsen, Anne Kathrine; Bonfils, Inge Storgaard; Olsen, Leif, Universal design. Cross-disciplinary perspectives in theory and practice, Aalborg Universitet, 2024. https://portal.findresearcher.sdu.dk/files/263039308/Universal_design_UK.pdf

Herssens, Jasmien, Ielegems, Elke, Nuyts, Erik,Vanrie, Jan, “Drivers And Barriers For Universal Designing: A Survey On Architects’ Perceptions”, Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 36:3 (Autumn, 2019)
https://arcam.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DRIVERS_AND_BARRIERS_FOR_UNIVERSAL_DESIGN.pdf

Hansel Bauman Architect, Gallaudet University, DeafSpace Design Guidelines, Volume 1, 2010 https://app.dcoz.dc.gov/Exhibits/2010/ZC/15-24/Exhibit95.pdf

Henning Larsen, National Institute for Public Health, Urban Mind. How can the design of urban spaces contribute to the mental health of teenage girls? A Process Guide, 2023.

Henning Larsen, National Institute for Public Health, Urban Mind. How can the design of urban spaces contribute to the mental health of teenage girls? A Design Guide, 2023. https://henninglarsen.com/projects/urban-minded

NP051–2012 Normative for the adaptation of civil buildings and urban space to the individual needs of disabled people.

Law no. 448/2006 on the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities.

Law no. 27/2020 regarding Romanian sign language.

PAS 6463:2022, Design for the mind – Neurodiversity and the built environment – Guide, The British Standards Institution, 2022.
www.housinglin.org.uk/_assets/Resources/Housing/OtherOrganisation/Design-for-the-mind-Neurodiversity-and-the-built-environment-Guide.pdf

BS EN 17210:2021 Accessibility and usability of the built environment — Functional requirements, The British Standards Institution 2021.