Description
Module summary: This module introduces the concept of inclusive design (also known as universal design) within the context of health and wellbeing in the built environment. It explores the built environment from a variety of people-related factors, such as disability, age and gender, and their implication within a diversity of building and environment types. The implementation of legislation, standards and guidelines for accessibility and inclusive design is demonstrated and discussed, alongside recent developments and debates on inclusive design.
Module aim and learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
- Understand the relevance of unconscious bias and discrimination in the design of the built environment;
- Identify user needs as they relate to a variety of people-related factors, such as disability, health and wellbeing conditions, neurodiversity, age, gender, reproductive health, family and caring responsibilities, religious and cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic status and social exclusion;
- Develop a holistic understanding towards potential barriers and challenges in the full experience of the built environment and their impact on user access, safety, participation, and health and wellbeing;
- Assess an existing building following inclusive design principles and provide strategies on how to make the environment more inclusive; Ìý
- Appreciate the value of user consultation and participatory design, and of implementing inclusive design from the earliest stage of a project, through all design stages and during occupancy and operation; Ìý
- Identify and interpret key legislation, standards and guidelines for accessibility and inclusive design in the UK and internationally, and understand their application in practice; and
- Articulate the importance, benefits and positive impact (e.g., economic, sustainable, social) of designing for equality, diversity and inclusion in the built environment, and how designing inclusively helps in meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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