universal design 1.2 cities, buildings and parks for everyone, a universal design compendium compendium Professor Singmund Asmervik, Agricultural University of Noway

Universal design: “ making all of society available and accessible to everyone,regardless of functional ablity” Professor Sigmund Asmervik

The essence of U.D. Two aspects of the concept of universal design deserve special attention. One is the principel that we should plan and design for everyone without making special solutions of particular groups of the population due to age or functionality considerations. U.D. should help to remove or at least move away from the “we and you”, “us and them” approach. The second aspect is that by working with U.D., the students are forced to devote attention to the needs and requirements of various groups. Hence it is inevitable to cooperate with other professions. Some good examples of the practice of U.D. - Barcelona (Spain) - Røros (Norway) - University centre of Dragvoll in Trondheim (Norway) - Sommerfrydhagen at Tøyen (Oslo) - Sinnenas Trädgård Stockholm Sweden

Background for the concept of U.D. The universal design concept is American, and this country led the way in the 90s with its intense efforts to facilitate society for everyone. The concept simply means an attitude or way of considering things, where surroundings, buildings and products are planned and designed so they can be used by anyone to the greatest extent possible. 1940s: “Le modulor”: Corbusier; attention to the ergonomics of the human body. 1960s: ”solutions for the handicapped”: stigmatization of this group in a negative way 1977: Architect Michael Bednar: removing physical barriers 1980s: accessible design popular concept in USA. Solely focused on physical challenged people Solely focused on physical challenged people 1990s: ADA Americans with Disabilities Act: American constitution Widening the focus of accessibility from a single building to it’s environment and even further to the entire social society. “Special design has often led to separation instead of integration.” “U.D. is also very much about designing for the entire course of life.”

The universality of functionalism Bauhaus : Walter Gropius: Functionallity  functionalism  aesthetics of functionalism  Form Follows Function Corbusier : The ramp as a central architectonic element (Villa Savoye). Frank Lloyd Wright : Spiraling inner ramp: light inclination (Guggenheim museum). Mies van der Rohe : Fluent transition between outside and inside: easily and effortless movement. Alvator Aalto : Great concern for the users of the building; door handles at various heights.

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The house for everyone The university centre of at dragvoll, Trondheim Architects: Henning Larsen’s Architect Office (Copenhagen) The idea was to build a dense city based on a block structure of approximately 100m x 100m. The most special aspect of this design are the glass-covered streets, a generally untried concept at this time in the 1970s. The financial benefits compared to traditional streets have been proven in the aspects of snow clearing, regular maintenance and energy consumption for heating. Furthermore these streets create several natural meeting-places. © www-hf-ntnu-no

In relation to the principle of equal opportunities for use and flexibility, we may state that this university centre is well designed. We notice this already when we reach the entrance doors, where a light push on an automatic door opener gives easy entrance. With no need for long detours to reach destination and with clear signs, the principle of simple and intuitive use and easily comprehensible information has been well handled. An example of the principle of tolerance of errors and design to alleviate the risk of accidents and injuries is the railing found by some stairs to prevent people with visual impairment and others from bumping their heads. The principle of good sizes and spaces for access and use is enhanced by the wide streets. © www-hf-ntnu-no

Measures for enhanced accessibility - Automatic entrance doors near parking area’s - New door opening buttons and panels by lifts - All exit doors replaced by infrared sensor sliding doors - Information desks at suitable heights - Auditorium feature adjustable tables for wheelchair users - All stairs are well marked - Maps of auditoria indicate good visibility area’s - staircases in communal areas were marked with white tiles © www-hf-ntnu-no

The park for everyone The Sabbatsberg area in Stockholm. The purpose of this park was to create a garden that would function as therapy for elderly persons suffering from dementia. Sinnenas Trädgård Taking a closer look at S.T., we see that it is designed around familiar elements from private gardens and some features of classical monastery gardens. Some examples used in the park: The framework consists of a wooden fence and a hedge. This provides a sense of space, safety, shelter against wind and a boundary against the outside traffic.The framework consists of a wooden fence and a hedge. This provides a sense of space, safety, shelter against wind and a boundary against the outside traffic. An exercise railing with large handrails and wrought ironAn exercise railing with large handrails and wrought iron latticework is used to exercise the sense of balance and for support when walking Using different types of flowers and smells at different places, a guideline by smell is created.Using different types of flowers and smells at different places, a guideline by smell is created. There is also a fence provided between the Vasa park en the S.T. so the elderly can still see and hear the children without having to worry about being run into by children and dogs.There is also a fence provided between the Vasa park en the S.T. so the elderly can still see and hear the children without having to worry about being run into by children and dogs.