Dr Jane Bringolf

Barriers to universal design in housing

The term ‘universal design’ was coined in the early 1980s to describe a way of designing that encompasses the broadest spectrum of the population regardless of age, ability level or background. However, the built environment industry has been slow to embrace this inclusive approach to design.

The barriers to the uptake of universal design principles cover societal attitudes, education processes, resistance to change, and the way the industry is structured. Whilst there is general goodwill towards the idea of designing universally, no part of industry is willing to take responsibility for implementing change. Risk management strategies are one reason, particularly when consumer demand is absent – even though consumers generally plan to age in their own home. Another reason for avoiding responsibility is the assumption that universally designed homes are someone else’s business because it is ‘other’ housing. This is because industry has interpreted universal design to mean ‘disability design’. Hence we have another barrier to progress – we are not all talking about the same thing, although many in the industry think we are.

The way a home is designed can make the difference between living independently in familiar surroundings (ageing in place), moving to specialised accommodation (retirement village) or prematurely entering an institutional setting (aged care). Whilst there is little that can be done for existing homes, unless owners can afford modifications, there is a case to be made for all new homes to be universally designed so that more people can maintain their independence and social networks well into old age.

If consumers are not asking for universal design and industry is resistant to change, someone else has to take responsibility for ensuring our future housing stock can support people across their lifespan.

Jane Bringolf (University of Western Sydney) - J.Bringolf@uws.edu.au

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