Universal Design

Universal design is an important part of social development, and more and more people are becoming aware of this area. It is about creating accessibility for everyone, regardless of functional ability. It is therefore important to have knowledge of current laws and different perspectives in this field.

Legal requirements

Technical regulations for the Planning and Building Act (TEK) set requirements for the universal design of buildings and outdoor areas. This means that access to buildings and outdoor areas is experienced in an equal way, regardless of functional ability. The requirements apply to both new buildings and existing buildings.

Some of the requirements for universal design in TEK are:

• Step-free access to entrances and common areas
• Accessible toilets and changing rooms
• Access to common areas and rooms for the disabled
• Good lighting and contrasts in stairs, corridors and rooms
• Clear labeling of rooms and common areas

Perspectives

There are naturally different perspectives on universal design. Some see that it is important to create accessibility for everyone, regardless of functional ability. This may be to achieve equality, accessibility and inclusion for all. Others believe universal design can also have economic benefits, as it can increase the value of properties and reduce maintenance costs in the long term.

There are also some who believe that universal design can have some disadvantages. For example, it can be expensive to adapt existing buildings to a universal design, and some believe that this can come at the expense of aesthetics and functionality. It is therefore important to find a balance between accessibility and other factors that can affect both functionality and aesthetics.

Here are four points with examples that show what universal design can entail:

1. Adequate width of entrances and doors – this ensures that people with wheelchairs or other aids can enter the building without problems. Example: A wide entrance door to a public building that enables a person in a wheelchair to enter easily.
2. Placing control buttons and other functions at heights that are accessible to everyone - this ensures that people with reduced height or mobility can use these functions without problems. Example: Control buttons for elevators or light switches that are located at a height that is accessible to a person in a wheelchair or with limited mobility.
3. Arrangement of escape routes and emergency exits for people with reduced functional abilities - this ensures that all people can escape the building in a safe and secure manner in an emergency. Example: A wide emergency exit door accessible to a person in a wheelchair, leading to a ramp leading away from the building.
4. Provision of toilet and cloakroom facilities – this ensures that people with disabilities can use these facilities without problems.

Example: Provision of toilet and cloakroom facilities with sufficient space for a person in a wheelchair, and with handles and mirrors that are placed at a height that is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Conclusion

Universal design is an important part of social development, and more and more people are becoming aware of this area. TEK sets requirements for the universal design of buildings and outdoor areas, and it is important that everyone takes this into account when building and renovating properties. It is also important to find a balance between accessibility and other factors that can affect both functionality and aesthetics.

Sources:

Technical regulations for the Planning and Building Act (TEK)
https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2010-03-26-489

Regjeringen.no – Universal design
https://www.regjeringen.no/no/tema/plan-bygg-og-eiendom/byggeregler-byggteknisk-forskrift/universell-utforming/id463048/

Statsbygg – Universal design
https://www.statsbygg.no/om-oss/baerekraft/universell-utforming/