Human Diversity in a Shared Space concept: Universal Design process

as a way forward?

Neil Murphy MRIAI,Centre for Excellence in Universal

DesignShared Space Seminar

6th May 2009

Presentation Topics• 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 examinationsAwareness

• Best practice database• Promote awareness and understanding

Education

Gov Depts &Public Bodies

Industry

People with Disabilities,

General Public

Professional Bodies

CEUD

CEUD Stakeholders

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 developdisability than person aged 15-24

• Of disabled people aged 65 years or overtwo 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 grouprate per thousand

35 38 59 86135

181

377

110 83164

210300

395

660

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

0-17 18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75 & over

Census disability sample

Total population

Central Statistics Office, National Disability Survey 2006

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• What makes a neighbourhood walkable?

• A centre: Walkable neighbourhoods have a discernable centre, whether it's a shopping district, a main street, or a public space.

• Density: The neighbourhood is compact enough for local businesses to flourish and for public transportation to run frequently.

• 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.

• Parks and public space: There are plenty of public places to gather and play.

• Pedestrian-centric design: Buildings are placed close to the street to cater to foot traffic, with parking lots relegated to the back.

• 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 PavilionThe design of Kitchens, bathrooms & living spaces for Lifetime Adaptable Homes

Speaking: Alison Wright, Interior Designer, inclusive design specialist & designer of Living Works range