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 6 th 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 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

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 ?

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 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 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 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 9 th 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