Accessible Architecture for Everyone

The idea of accessible architectural projects started after the Second World War. But it was not until 1985 that it took an important turn. The American architect Ron Mace, wheelchair user and user of artificial respirator, created the concept of the Universal Design. For Mr. Mace it was not a matter of creating a design accessible to people with disabilities, but creating a design that served the most diverse and different types of people, causing a change in the perception of what really meant accessible. His main aim was the democratization of spaces and environments using equipment and services in order to create real equity between people, and offering everyone the same standard of citizenship.

To achieve this idea, he established 7 principles that are nowadays adopted worldwide for each and every full accessibility program:

1 – Equal – comparable use

2 – Adaptable – flexible use

3 – Obvious – simple and intuitive use

4 – Known – easily understood information

5 – Safe – error tolerant

6 – Effortless – low physical effort

7 – Comprehensive – dimension and space for approach and use.

In Brazil, architectural projects that wish to follow accessibility standards rely on the Manual of ABNT – Brazilian Association of Technical Standards – number 9050. It contains the accessibility parameters to be followed in a construction, installation and remodelation of buildings. Despite the existence of a Law, Law Number. 13,146 / 2015, which requires that new constructions, public or private, adopt the basic standards, civil construction still ignores or passes away from the measures, even if they mean only 1% of increases in total costs and bring benefits to a population of 45 million people.

Constructions based on the principles of Universal Design serve not only people with disabilities but a whole range of human types:

It is an architecture that understands that the world is made up of diverse people and that promotes the interaction and enjoyment of the entire society.