Ten questions concerning inclusive design of the built environment

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Building and Environment, Volume 114
Author(s): Ann Heylighen, Valerie Van der Linden, Iris Van Steenwinkel
In recent years, the design community has witnessed the development of several design approaches aimed at taking into account the diversity of human abilities and conditions during design. One of these approaches is inclusive design, used here as an umbrella term to cover also universal design and design for all. This article addresses some of the common questions that arise when inclusive design is considered in relation to the built environment. It discusses how inclusive design is defined and interpreted, what its relevance, implications and challenges are in relation to the built environment, how it relates to other significant design issues, and how it can be fostered in the future. This introduction to the idea of inclusive design is of interest to built environment professionals and researchers seeking a more holistic approach to the built environment. Foregrounding the diversity in human interactions with the built environment supports reflection on the human impact of design decisions. By offering diverse spatial qualities and use opportunities, inclusive design has the potential to help addressing the challenges of our diverse and ageing society in a sustainable way.