UNIVERSAL DESIGN: CREATING INCLUSIVE SPACES THROUGH INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE .

ABSTRACT

Universal design is a user-focused designing approach that involves cultural, physical, mental and dimensional aspects and takes into account the needs of different personal characteristics. This study will analyze the resolutions for different personal characteristics in the design qualities, creating inclusive spaces through interior architecture and then utilize the results to make suggestions for further studies in which universal design embedded continuously. In terms of the different user characteristics, the study participants mainly focused on physical and visual disabilities, as well as older people and families with children. According to the participants, the most important issues to be attentive to when making interior space resolutions included reaching the shelves, disabled access ramps at the entrance, size of the circulation area, accessibility of the cashier counter, and size of the changing rooms. Another important issue related to the store design is aesthetic appeal. Serving as an indication of their concern for the commercial success of the store, the participants offered suggestions about the window display and the aesthetic quality of the store.Universal Design (UD) in the simplest term means a design that is accessible to all. Universal Design's focus is on all types of users of different ages, forms and sizes, and physical abilities including children, the elderly, sick or injured people differently abled. The main aim of the universal design is to make a space usable by all rather than making user modify their behaviour to use the space. This concept does not take into account everyone's ability but tries to increase the spectrum of users during the design process and it can be applied to all design professions. This paper reviews the need for applications of universal design in interior design through literature study and structured survey/Interviews of industry experts and design students. The aim is to generate awareness regarding the importance and need for Universal Design application in the Interior Design profession.