Human Diversity in a Shared Space concept:
Universal Design process as a way forward?
Neil Murphy MRIAI,
Centre for Excellence in Universal Design
Shared Space Seminar
6th May 2009
Presentation Topics
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Background & history of Universal Design
What is Universal Design?
Age & Disability Statistics
How to use Universal Design principles to design
Shared Space?
• Shared Space seeks to achieve a Universally
Accessible environment
• Do Designers / users understand the concept of
Shared Space?
• New International Movements – Universal Design
Cities, Walkability, Age Friendly Cities
Background and history of Universal Design
• Origins found in Independent
Living, one of the US social
movement of the 1960s. First
independent standard developed in
1961.
• Further federal laws and standards
throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
• State codes introduced in the
1970s.
• Universal Design began to develop
in the mid 1980s.
• Federal laws and regulations
continued to develop in the 1980s
and 1990s.
(Duncan, 2007)
What is Universal Design?
Universal Design is the design and composition of an
environment so that it can be accessed, understood
and used to the greatest extent possible by all people
regardless of their age, size, ability or disability
(Synopsis of the Irish Disability Act 2005)
Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, CEUD
Established January, 2007 in the NDA
Universal Design aims:
“to maximize the number of [people] who can readily use
a product, building or service which may be achieved
by:
(i) designing products, services and environments that are
readily usable by most users without any modification,
(ii) by making products or services adaptable to different
users (adapting user interfaces), and
(iii) by having standardized interfaces to be compatible
with special products for persons with disabilities.”
(Text common to Standards groups including: ISO, CEN, NSAI)
The 7 Principles of Universal Design were
developed in 1997 by a working group of
architects, product designers, engineers and
environmental design researchers, led by the
late Ronald Mace in North Carolina State
University
• Principle 1: Equitable Use
• The design is useful and marketable to people
with diverse abilities.
• Principle 2: Flexibility in Use
• The design accommodates a wide range of
individual preferences and abilities.
• Principle 3: Simple and Intuitive Use
• Use of the design is easy to understand,
regardless of the user's experience, knowledge,
language skills, or current concentration level.
• Principle 4: Perceptible Information
• The design communicates necessary
information effectively to the user, regardless
of ambient conditions or the user's sensory
abilities.
• Principle 5: Tolerance for Error
• The design minimizes hazards and the adverse
consequences of accidental or unintended
actions.
• Principle 6: Low Physical Effort
• The design can be used efficiently and comfortably
and with a minimum of fatigue.
• Principle 7: Size and Space for Approach and
Use
• Appropriate size and space is provided for
approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless
of user's body size, posture, or mobility.
Aims of the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design
(CEUD)
Standards
• Stimulate research
• Participate in Standardisation work nationally and
internationally
• Provide advice to stakeholders
• Encourage compliance
Education and Professional Development
• Incorporation into design curriculum
• Application of Universal Design for Learning approach to
teaching and examinations
Awareness
• Best practice database
• Promote awareness and understanding
CEUD Stakeholders
Gov Depts &
Public Bodies
Education
CEUD
Professional
Bodies
Industry
People with
Disabilities,
General Public
Projected Population Growth
What portion of the Population in
Europe is projected to grow by
300% over the period 1960-2020?
Called the “Old Old”
(people over the age of 80
years)
The incidence of disability
increases with age
• 323,707 people with disabilities (8%)
• 136,696 >65 years
• Incidence of disability increases with age
• 65 year old 9 times more likely to develop
disability than person aged 15-24
• Of disabled people aged 65 years or over
two thirds experience multiple disabilities
National Disability Survey 2006
Older people with a disability
• 36% of people with a disability are aged 65 and over
• 1 in 5 people with a disability are aged 75 and over (22%)
• 83% of those aged 75 and over with a disability reported a
Mobility & dexterity impairment
• 94% of these had difficulty walking for about 15 minutes
• 80% had difficulty going outside of home
• 39% have a Remembering & concentrating impairment
National Disability
Survey 2006
Potential Support Ratio
• Potential Support Ratio (PSR) is the ratio of
the number of 15-64 year olds who could
support one person 65+
• • In 1950 the PSR was 12:1
• • In 2000 the PSR was 9:1
• In 2050 the PSR will be 4:1
Functional Capacity over life span
Prevalence of disability by age group
rate per thousand
1000
900
Census disability sample
800
Total population
660
700
600
500
395
400
300
300
200
100
377
210
164
110
83
35
38
0-17
18-34
59
86
35-44
45-54
135
181
0
55-64
Central Statistics Office, National Disability Survey 2006
65-74
75 & over
How to use Universal Design principles to
design Shared Space?
Stakeholders
Plan for better interaction between Design Team
Inclusion of Universal Design Champion on Design Team
Visit & study existing sites
How Shared space can effect those who use it?
Example of Shared Space, O’Connell St., Dublin
Risks & Safe Spaces
Example of shared Space, O’Connell St., Dublin
Alternatives?
Wider & clearer pavements with more frequent
crossings?
Stakeholders
Travel Plans
Example of Shared Space
• Do Designers / users understand the concept of
Shared Space?
• Safe Spaces in Shared Spaces?
Shared Space – Removal of barriers or discrimination?
Example of Shared Space
Reduction of street furniture? i.e Bollards, sign
poles, light poles
Examples of Shared Space
International Movements
• Universal Design Cities – New York
• Walkability
• Age Friendly Cities
Walkability
• Streets Designed for Everyone
• Complete Streets are roads are designed for everyone who uses
them, including bicyclists, pedestrians of all ages and abilities, and
people getting on and off transit vehicles.
These streets are:
• Accessible: There are wheelchair ramps, plenty of benches with shade,
sidewalks on all streets, etc.
• Well-connected: Streets form a connected grid that improves traffic by
providing many routes to any destination.
• Built for the right speed: Lanes are narrow or traffic calming is in place to
control speed.
• Comfortable: Pedestrian medians at intersections, count-down crosswalk
timers, bicycle lanes, protected bus shelters, etc. make the street work
better for those outside of a car.
Walkability
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What makes a neighbourhood walkable?
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A centre: Walkable neighbourhoods have a discernable centre, whether
it's a shopping district, a main street, or a public space.
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Density: The neighbourhood is compact enough for local businesses to
flourish and for public transportation to run frequently.
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Mixed income, mixed use: Housing is provided for everyone who works
in the neighbourhood: young and old, singles and families, rich and poor.
Businesses and residences are located near each other.
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Parks and public space: There are plenty of public places to gather and
play.
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Pedestrian-centric design: Buildings are placed close to the street to
cater to foot traffic, with parking lots relegated to the back.
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Nearby schools and workplaces: Schools and workplaces are close
enough that most residents can walk from their homes.
Age friendly cities
An Age-friendly city encourages active
ageing by optimizing opportunities for
health, participation and security in order
to enhance quality of life as people age.
(WHO) World health Organisation Initiative
Conclusions
• Further Research
• Use Universal Design Process – engage the users
• CEUD – Study Day on Research in Shared Space May 09
• Folding the concept into International movements
UPCOMING EVENT
June 9th 2009 Morning Seminar – NDA Pavilion
The design of Kitchens, bathrooms & living spaces for
Lifetime Adaptable Homes
Speaking: Alison Wright, Interior Designer, inclusive
design specialist & designer of Living Works range