Universal Design

Universal Design Philosophy

The Universal Design Philosophy goes beyond traditional accessibility requirements that allow housing units to be used by people with mobility limitations. Universal Design incorporates a wide range of construction design features that allow the housing to be used optimally by the greatest number of people (young and old, short and tall, with and without physical limitations). In addition to enhancing the quality of life for residents, the presence of Universal Design in new housing construction increases the long-term value of those units by appealing to a larger number of people without adaptation or specialized design.

For additional background visit the The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design and learn about the 7 Principles of Universal Design that guide the design of environments, products and communications.