Enabling Abilities by Universal Design: Mapping Academic Initiatives

The concept of Universal Design (UD) embraces the diversity of user needs in relation to both the built environment as well as design products. The concept also addresses the current agenda of “Leave No One Behind” and UD can be seen as a framework for architectural practice and architectural research to operationalise UN Sustainable Development Goals. Though, there is a gap between the theoretical elements of UD and the practicing world of design and architecture. Several research initiatives have operated within this intersection of architectural practice and research, trying to bridge the research-practice gap. Based on a systematic literature review this paper addresses the questions: How do the initiatives aim to exceed a traditional user perspective, and by which means do they engage with abilities and disabilities? How is the gap between design ideology and architectural practice operationalised in these academic initiatives? Four overall tendencies were discovered across the sources: (1) use of the seven principles of UD, (2) user involvement or involvement of an expert, (3) systematisation of user needs and (4) use of knowledge or a tool from another field. To conclude, these findings illustrate that planning and designing our future built environment is a shared responsibility and involves a range of stakeholders. The review shows attempts of bridging ideology and design practice. However, to see the different studies as a patchwork across research and design, could help us evolve the field by standing shoulder by shoulder to reach even further regarding inclusivity.