Universal Design in Primary Schools.

The Norwegian building code give an apparently clear framework for the implementation of universal design (UD) in public buildings. However, it seems that neither increased awareness of UD, nor compliance with building regulations can so far guarantee equal use. Statistics and inspections reveal that there still are shortcomings as regards accessibility for many groups. Children with reduced mobility or impaired vision are better cared for than students whose needs are less documented. There is still a necessity for understanding the needs of other groups, such as children with hearing impairments, or other sensory challenges, children with social anxieties and those within the autism spectrum. A key part of achieving UD should be a design process where users' needs are in focus. Based on recent research carried out by SINTEF Building and Infrastructure and funded by the Directorate for Children, Youth and Families, this paper presents 1) Examples of practices where primary and lower secondary schools have been designed within a framework of UD, and 2) Important drivers for universal design during the design process. Recommendations will be proposed for further development of standardized tools. Findings indicate that opportunities to challenge the minimum requirements for UD within a conventional design process are few without having a supportive and competent client. The regulations and standards do not necessarily ensure inclusion and equal use. Low understanding about what UD entails in terms of user knowledge and involvement may be one reason. Norwegian standards for UD do not appear to be in significant use. Tools for UD often appear as checklists, based on the building regulations. The examples show that effective collaboration between the client and the architect plays a central role in the UD of schools. Architects not only need tools to think about usability at all design levels, but the ability to collaborate with the client and users in every phase.

Universal Design as a Booster for Housing Quality and Architectural Practice.

Norwegian central government has for the last decade increasingly focused on universal design. Fundamental changes in the Norwegian building code and corresponding regulations in 2010 give an apparently clear framework for the implementation of accessibility and universal design. However, it seems that neither increased awareness of accessibility requirements and universal design, nor compliance with the building code guarantees improvement of housing quality and usability. The Norwegian regulations have gone further in the direction of performance requirements than most other countries. This applies to all types of requirements, including requirements for usability, functionality and accessibility. Hardly any specifications are to be found in the regulations. Ideally, this lack of specifications should give designers the opportunity to develop innovative answers and hence to respond to different contexts and needs. Still, many architects and builders ask for clear specifications, in order to simplify and speed up design processes and make control of solutions easier. Many architects understand guidelines as minimum requirements, and are thus reproducing the identical solutions without considering the context and the needs of the users. They see accessibility as another regulatory pressure and requirements as restrictions rather than positive incentives. However, there are examples of designers who have internalised the regulatory framework and thus are able to create and integrate inclusive design in their daily work. Based on recent research conducted by SINTEF Building and Infrastructure and financed by the Norwegian State Housing Bank, this paper presents examples of practice where dwellings have been developed within a framework of universal design. Focus of the research has been on the approach of the design team and their understanding and use of the regulatory framework in order to create better homes in dialogue with the building authorities. Main objectives are to: - Contribute to better understanding of universal design as a tool and a method to improve housing quality and usability - Investigate the conditions for developing dwellings with innovative and functional solutions in compliance with the building code - Discuss challenges in interpreting the requirements and in taking the needs of various resident groups into account.