AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF

UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES IN THE PROVISION OF

BUILDING SERVICES IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS

ABSTRACT

Universal design (UD) can be described as the design of products and environments to be usable

by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized

design, thus bridging the gap between housing and disability though the concept of Universal

Design or ‘Design for all’ has been neglected in most developing countries including Nigeria.

This study assesses the implementation of universal design principles in the provision of building

services in multi-storey buildings. It also seeks assess conformity of thedesign of building

services in multi- storey buildings to Document M (disability standard of the United Kingdom)

and establish if Statutory Authorities check designs to ascertain its conformity to universal

design principles. Questionnaires were distributed to building designers and a checklist

structured using disability standard of the United Kingdom was used as a guide to assess these

buildings services for conformity to universal design. Also, Statistical Package for Social

Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data generated from the questionnaires. It was

established that most designers of building services became familiar with UD through personal

study or on-the-job trainings as very few of the building services designers in Abuja learned

about UD in the university. Development control agencies have equally added to the non-

implementation of UD as most designs are rarely or never checked for conformity to UD. In

conclusion, Persons living with temporal or permanent disabilities have been segregated or

stigmatized by architectural and building services designs, there is a of shallow knowledge of

UD by professionals in the construction industry and most building services provisions have

shown low conformity to UD principles.

CHAPTER ONE 

INTRODUCTION 

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

There has been an increasing focus on the interface between housing and disability, as

community attitudes and physical barriers in the built environment have prevented people with

disabilities from fully participating in society (Zola, 2006). Access to education, employment,

housing, recreation, cultural events, and transportation has been denied many people due to

designs that do not put the needs of people with disability into consideration (Shapiro, 1994).

Along with the growth in the disabled population, the quest for independence and equal rights

has grown, as well (Shapiro, 1994). Universal design (UD), which entails the designs of products

that are universally accommodating and cater for all their users (Bone, 1996), is an important and

integral aspect of building design. Seven principles of Universal Design have been identified by

Saville-Smith (2006) as: flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information,

tolerance of error, low physical effort, and size and space for approach and use, provide a

framework for cost-effective policies and strategies to increase physical accessibility for people

with disabilities. 

The aim is to ensure that no one is unable to or finds it very difficult to use a building or its

features on account of the way it was designed (Goldsmith, 2000).This seems to have been

neglected in Nigeria and advocates of universal design recognize the legal, economic, and social

power of a concept that addressed the common needs of people with and without disabilities

(Miji, 2009). Access to buildings, spaces and the services therein, can be set at different levels of
functionality for disabled people. Welch and Palmers (1995) identify a continuum of

accessibility for domestic buildings that ranges from Negotiable, Visitability, Liveable,

Adaptable and Universal. Accessibility of services is essential if the goal of fostering functional

independence is to be achieved in people with disability. Accessibility to building services is

currently very poor in many developing countries (Lang and Upah, 2008; Mijiet al., 2009). This

shows the importance the society attaches to people with disability.

Problem Statement

With the emergence of globalisation that comes with population explosion in urban areas, land

areas that can support and accommodate the traditional horizontal school design model are no

longer readily affordable and financially viable. Therefore, for urban schools to accommodate

the increasing population, Hadley [1] advanced that school designs must move from designing

outward to designing upward. Consequently, many school buildings are now being designed

vertically (upwards) as high-rise buildings, rather than spreading horizontally (outwards). With

the emergence of this new model of school buildings, the demand for vertical movement

provisions that can cater for the accessibility and usability needs of everyone, is considered

fundamental to making university education equitable and inclusively available, accessible and

usable to anyone that can afford it. In an academic environment, it is imperative to provide a

barrier free setting for all students to enable them experience and benefit from all aspects of

education within the learning environment. Universal Design (UD) has the capacity to change

the status quo of universities into institutions that provide users with equal opportunities to learn,

excel and attain their true prospects, despite prevailing circumstances of age, size or physical

capability
Significance

In an academic environment, it is imperative to provide a barrier free setting for all students to

enable them experience and benefit from all aspects of education within the learning

environment. Universal Design (UD) has the capacity to change the status quo of universities

into institutions that provide users with equal opportunities to learn, excel and attain their true

prospects, despite prevailing circumstances of age, size or physical capability [2]. The UD

ideology advocates the design of products and the built environment to be accessible and usable

by all category of users without any need for adaptation or a special kind of design solution

Scope of Study

The scope of the study is limited to investigating only the general vertical movement components

provided for users of high-rise buildings. The vertical movement features were specifically

targeted as the focus of the investigation, because they require more special considerations to

make them usable for everyone, compared to horizontal movement features, whose principal

requirement is the provision of adequate space that can allow for mass movement or at least

allow two wheelchair users pass side by side.

 CHAPTER TWO
In the past, design professionals did not realise that when physically challenged persons

encounter an obstacle, it makes them handicapped [5]. Diversity in humans is not a new

knowledge as each person is uniquely different from the other and as time goes on, we are

subject to more changes that lead to more diversity. There are a lot of things that separate us

from one another. Some of these things include: gender, race, background, color, abilities or

disabilities. Therefore, it is very important to create a world where every person can feel

accepted and everyone has equal rights to all facilities and opportunities [6]. UD is a design

concept that aims to cater for the needs of every person regardless of their abilities at little or no

extra cost. It is defined as the design of environments, buildings and products to be utilised by

everyone without requiring any modification or specialised design. UD is both sustainable and

cost effective, as it is targeted at designing for every individual. It also helps to reduce cost when

considered at the beginning of the design process, rather than when the need arises after a

building has been built [7]. UD is a useful concept for enhancing learning for students with

disabilities. The promotion of UD in the education sector has led to the development of specially

designed hardware and software applications for enhancing learning for the physically

challenged [8]. According to a global assessment on topics pertaining to disability issued in

2011, over 25 million Nigerians have at least a disability, with about 3.6 million of them having

difficulties functioning normally. This means that a large population of the society is living with

disabilities in the country. This makes it important for buildings to be designed to accommodate

the special needs of this user group in line with the UD ideology. UD is similar to accessible

design, but in actual sense, it is a better alternative to it. While accessible design seeks to

promote accessibility for people with disabilities (PWDs), UD seeks to promote and cater for the
needs of everyone regardless of their abilities or inabilities [9,10]. According to Sholanke,

Adeboye, Alagbe, Fadipe & Iyoha [11] and Copeland [12], UD is generally guided by seven

principles proposed by the Centre for UD in North Carolina State University in America. The

principles are: 1) Equitable Use: The design strategy should be of value and sought-after by any

user group. 2) Flexibility in Use: Diversity of individual preference and skill should be

reminiscent of the design. 3) Simple and Intuitive Use: The design should be easily understood

without the need for conscious reasoning by the user. 4) Perceptible Information: The sensory

input of the user should not hinder the ability of the design to transmit or pass information

effectively to the user. 5) Tolerance for Error: The design should limit the possibility of

occurring unintentional or unwanted acts. 6) Low Physical Effort: The design should require

minimal physical effort to use and promote user comfort. 7) Size and Space for Approach and

Use: The size and space allocated for approach, manipulation, reach and use of the design should

be reasonable to allow for easy access regardless of the size, posture or mobility of the user. The

UD principles can be used for guiding and influencing a design procedure and concede the

indication of disposable products and environments, as well as to evaluate existing architectural

designs [9, 3]. Where UD is applied at the design stage, its outcome benefits everyone as it

accommodates user’s diversity. For instance, it helps to create an environment that allows people

to age, yet retain their independence. It also helps businesses have an edge over their

counterparts. Nevertheless, some people still fail to fully implement UD criteria into designs

because of some misconceptions about the idea. Two of these misconceptions identified by

Rossetti [13] are that buildings that are universally designed appear unpleasant and conventional,

as well as people getting the wrong impression that such buildings are planned solely for the

handicapped. The author argued that these are false impressions, as UD features enhance the
beauty of a building while making it functional and convenient for every user, rather than the

physically challenged alone. What is convenient for a physically challenged person to access and

use will most certainly be easily accessible and usable for able-bodied persons. Rossetti [13] also

corrected another delusion that a building that conforms with UD principles costs more, because

of the distinctive features of UD present in the building. The author debunked this notion by

arguing that a building that complies with UD concept stands to be valuable for a lifetime,

thereby increasing the value of the building which makes it useful for as long as the building is in

use. Also, people often think that a building designed with UD parameters requires more square

footage. This the author also debunked by explaining that space planning is important in design,

therefore, a universally designed building does not require more square footage outside just

adequate room for navigation. The last mistaken belief identified by Rossetti [13] is that the

adoption of UD strategies in a building makes it less likely to scale a building code scrutiny. The

author clarified that based on the definition and nature of UD, its principles always adhere to

established state and federal building codes. In cases of inquiry that may arise from the

evaluation of the design, provision for local variation is usually made available. Notwithstanding

the various misconceptions surrounding UD ideology, the concept is considered significant to

humans and has therefore gained global recognition and caught many researchers’ interests

lately. For instance, Sholanke, Adeboye & Alagbe [9] investigated designs that constituted

barriers to achieving UD in selected academic buildings in selected universities in Ogun State,

Nigeria. The study is a qualitative survey that used observation guide and pictures to collect field

data from nine academic buildings across three universities in the study area. The designed

features found to constitute barriers to achieving UD in the various academic buildings in the

selected universities were mainly accessibility features that are not suitable for the use of the
physically challenged. Some of such features include: lack of dropped kerbs to external

walkways and open drainage beside walkways, lack of accessible parking spaces, inadequate

doors, steps, ramps, handrails and access routes dimensions, and provision of steps without

ramps where there are changes in levels. Likewise, Hibatullah [14] evaluated the accessibility

components of the School of Engineering buildings at the University of Jordan. The researcher

carried out the study in order to examine the level of accessibility in existing higher learning

institutions that are in accordance with Jordanian Nation Building Codes - Building Requirement

Code for the Disabled (BRCD), towards the promotion of the “right to work” and the “right to

get higher education” for PWDs in line with the UD ideology. The study is a qualitative research

that utilised interviews with students and staff members with disabilities to gather data. To

investigate if the requirements for renovation in public buildings and education buildings

implement the BRCD, an observation guide was used to collect data. The result of the study

revealed that the BRCD requirements did not cater for the minimum requests of PWDs, because

the BRCD was mainly concerned with people with physical disabilities, with less consideration

made for people living with hearing or visual impairment. In addition, Ibem, Oni, Umoren &

Ejiga [15] appraised the UD compliance of museum buildings in Southwest Nigeria. The authors

conducted their research to determine how the design, planning and construction of selected

museum buildings and facilities complied with the principles of UD and how they promoted the

satisfaction of users in the study area. The study is a multiple case study research that used

observation guide to gather field data from three museums in Southwest Nigeria. The museums

were appraised based on three principles of UD which are: accessibility, approachability and

usability. The result showed that all the museums complied with the approachability principle,

but fell short in accessibility and usability requirements. Similarly, in a study by Sholanke,
Adeboye, Oluwatayo & Alagbe [3], the researchers used the seven principles of UD developed

by The Center for Universal Design in North Carolina State University to assess the features of

the main entrances of five selected public buildings in Covenant University, Ota in Nigeria. The

features assessed include: carparks, pedestrian walkways, entrance porches, entrance steps,

entrance ramps, floor finishes and entrance doors. The result indicated that all the buildings fell

short of meeting UD accessibility requirements. For instance, ramps were not provided alongside

steps at the main entrances of majority of the buildings in line with the demand of UD. Where a

ramp was found, such ramp did not conform with UD standard. Also, several steps situated at the

main entrances of the buildings were found to be inconsistent with UD requirements.

Furthermore, a UD study that centred around the everyday life of elderly adults in an adult home

was conducted by Mustaquim [16]. The research was carried out to gain insight into the

performance of the different variables associated with the UD concept and how the elderly adults

identified with them in their day-to-day activities in the home. The study employed quantitative

means to gather data in Montgomery County's Arcola Health and Rehab Centre, Maryland, USA,

over a period of four weeks. A total of thirty-one patients, purposively selected based on their

cognitive abilities, took part in the survey. The result showed that UD variables that defined

knowledge acquisition present a substantial modification in its description, through the

parameters that describe perception. The result also underscored the significance of

understanding the UD principles, which was discovered not to be adequate for the design of

suitable homes that are inclusive and accessible for elderly adults. Though the study met its

target, being a case study of a single adult home means that the result cannot be generalised. an

observation guide was used to collect data. The result of the study revealed that the BRCD

requirements did not cater for the minimum requests of PWDs, because the BRCD was mainly
concerned with people with physical disabilities, with less consideration made for people living

with hearing or visual impairment. In addition, Ibem, Oni, Umoren & Ejiga [15] appraised the

UD compliance of museum buildings in Southwest Nigeria. The authors conducted their research

to determine how the design, planning and construction of selected museum buildings and

facilities complied with the principles of UD and how they promoted the satisfaction of users in

the study area. The study is a multiple case study research that used observation guide to gather

field data from three museums in Southwest Nigeria. The museums were appraised based on

three principles of UD which are: accessibility, approachability and usability. The result showed

that all the museums complied with the approachability principle, but fell short in accessibility

and usability requirements. Similarly, in a study by Sholanke, Adeboye, Oluwatayo & Alagbe

[3], the researchers used the seven principles of UD developed by The Center for Universal

Design in North Carolina State University to assess the features of the main entrances of five

selected public buildings in Covenant University, Ota in Nigeria. The features assessed include:

carparks, pedestrian walkways, entrance porches, entrance steps, entrance ramps, floor finishes

and entrance doors. The result indicated that all the buildings fell short of meeting UD

accessibility requirements. For instance, ramps were not provided alongside steps at the main

entrances of majority of the buildings in line with the demand of UD. Where a ramp was found,

such ramp did not conform with UD standard. Also, several steps situated at the main entrances

of the buildings were found to be inconsistent with UD requirements. Furthermore, a UD study

that centred around the everyday life of elderly adults in an adult home was conducted by

Mustaquim [16]. The research was carried out to gain insight into the performance of the

different variables associated with the UD concept and how the elderly adults identified with

them in their day-to-day activities in the home. The study employed quantitative means to gather
data in Montgomery County's Arcola Health and Rehab Centre, Maryland, USA, over a period of

four weeks. A total of thirty-one patients, purposively selected based on their cognitive abilities,

took part in the survey. The result showed that UD variables that defined knowledge acquisition

present a substantial modification in its description, through the parameters that describe

perception. The result also underscored the significance of understanding the UD principles,

which was discovered not to be adequate for the design of suitable homes that are inclusive and

accessible for elderly adults. Though the study met its target, being a case study of a single adult

home means that the result cannot be generalised.

Accessibility in High-rise Buildings The criteria used to define a high-rise building vary across

the globe. The Building Code of Hyderabad, India highlighted the requirements for a high-rise

building as having at least four floors, or fifteen to eighteen meters or more in height [19].

Emporis Standards [20] defined a high rise as a multi-story structure between thirty-five to

hundred meters high, or a building whose altitude is not determined, but is in the range of twelve

to thirty-nine floors. In the United States, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) [21]

described a high-rise as a building higher than seventy-five feet (twenty-three meters), or about

seven storeys. However, according to the National Building Code [22] used in Nigeria, any

building that is more than four floors is classified as a high-rise building in the country. Such a

building is expected to be provided with specialised feature for vertical movement that will

accommodate the accessibility and usability needs of everyone, including the physically

challenged. Accessibility, basically covers the extent to which a building’s point of entry

provides ease of movement to the users, with the inclusion of people with physical disabilities

into the spaces and facilities within the building, in order to enable them perform obligatory

activities and functions. Generally, vertical movement components used in public buildings
include: stairs, ramps, lifts, escalators and travellators. The most common of these lots are stairs,

ramps and lifts. The three accessibility components are generally used in most high-rise

buildings for easy vertical movement of users, especially in academic environments

Vertical Accessibility Components Universal Design Strategies in Academic Environments

The usual vertical accessibility components that are generally provided in academic

environments include: stairs, ramps and lifts. Each of these access features have specific standard

requirements, in order to enable them cater for the accessibility needs of every user that intends

to use any of them to access a building, irrespective of the user’s age or disability. Vertical

movements in a building can be classified into two categories. The first is where there is a

change in level on a level plane on a floor, while the second is moving from one floor to another

[23-25]. A Universal Design Handbook, Building for Everyone [26] provided useful guidelines

for the design of stairs, ramps and lifts. The provisions of the guidelines are as follows:

Staircases Staircases or stairs can be used as a means of vertical movement in buildings when

there is a change in level on the level plane which is often the entrance to a building, or from one

floor to another. There are various specifications that must be followed in order to design stairs

that can be accessible and usable to most user groups. Key among these specifications include:

(1) The dimension of a stair must be consistent throughout its flight with tread and going

dimensions ranging from 300 mm – 450 mm and riser dimensions ranging from 150 mm – 180

mm.

(2) The face of the riser should not be less than 60o .

(3) Step risers should be rigid, since open risers can cause visual discomfort.
(4) The clear dimension of the inner stairs, which is measured between the handrails, should not

be less than 1200 mm.

(5) The total height of a step flight between landings should not surpass 1800 mm.

(6) Stairs with two or more successive flights should ensure that the number of steps in each

flight are as the same as possible.

(7) Stairs which are not enclosed should be put directly in line with a corridor or main circulation

path.

(8) Stairs that are enclosed should continuously provide signs and directions that lead to the

stairs.

(9) Railings attached to stairs should be placed 900 mm – 1100 mm above the landings and

above the stairs.

(10) Stairs that are enclosed should continuously provide signs and directions that lead to the

stairs.

(11) Railings attached to stairs should be placed 900 mm – 1100 mm above the landings and

above the stairs.

Ramps Ramps are mainly used as means of vertical movement when there is an alteration in

level on the level plane. They can be used when there is a change in floor for very large

buildings. In such a case, they require a large space to be very effective. However, ramps should

be accompanied with stairs except in situations where the difference between the ground level

and the level of the building is less than 300 mm. Ramps are more effective than stairs when
entering into a building as they cater for the aged, the physically challenged and other categories

of users. The following considerations should be put in place when designing an accessible ramp

that can be usable for everyone:

i. Ramps should have a slope not greater than 1 to 20.

ii. The maximum rise between the landings should be 450 mm.

iii. The maximum length of a ramp should be 9000 mm in accordance to the 1 to 20 gradients.

iv. When there are two consecutive ramps, they should be of the same slope and gradient.

v. It is important to avoid ramps with steeper gradients as they are dangerous to users.

vi. The distance between the low rail and the ramp is between 600 mm – 750 mm, whereas the

distance between the top rail and the landing is between 900 mm – 1000 mm.

Lifts

Lifts or Elevators are the most convenient means of passage from one floor to another for people

that do not want to use staircases, especially in high-rise buildings. Lifts are mechanical devices

that rely strictly on regular supply of electricity to function and be effective in a building. The

following factors should be considered in the design of lifts:

 Lifts should permanently be positioned opposite stairways in a building to provide users an

alternative means of passage. The location is important for users who are not fully comfortable

using the lifts and want to access other floors easily.

 The location of lifts should be visibly indicated with signs from the entrance and other vital

areas inside a building for easy direction.

 Lifts provided in public places should be able to accommodate people travelling with luggage.

 Lifts should have minimum internal dimensions of 1800 mm by 1800 mm.

 Lift doors should be as wide as 950 mm to accommodate every category of user.

 Lift doors ought to open for at least 8 seconds to allow everyone exiting and entering the lift

do so conveniently.

 There should be an obvious visual contrast between the lift door and the adjacent wall

surfaces.

To cater for this in practice, Universal Design offers a philosophy and strategy which support the

implementation of full citizenship, independent living and integration. Mainstreaming is a

keyword in this process, implying that all policies and solutions have to be carefully designed to

accommodate all users. The aim is to achieve this to the greatest extent possible, diminishing the

need for segregated solutions and special services. As a design-in-time methodology Universal

Design contributes to the prevention and elimination of barriers to integration, whether

psychological, educational, family-related, cultural, social, professional, urban or architectural.

Universal Design thus has the potential to help defi ne a coherent European policy of integrating

people with disabilities, strengthening the European goal of enhancing the autonomy of people

and making them self-supporting. In the Council of Europe perspective, human rights,

participation and inclusion are brought together in the Council of Europe Disability Action Plan

2006-2015, and Universal Design is one of the means of accomplishing the goals set in the

Action Plan. From an industry perspective the International Organization for Standardization has

contributed with Universal Design and Accessible Design guides on the requirements of groups
of disabled citizens. The guides assist industry in translating the basic values into products and

environments that in fact are more usable for more citizens, regardless of age or disabilities. The

European Commission Public Procurement Directive and rules for future European Union

legislation also incorporate Universal Design to reach the long-term goals of full participation

and inclusion

Accessibility All universally designed buildings, websites, services, etc. have to be accessible. It

is important that accessibility as a feature is built into solutions in a way that promotes

integration, and not just solves a technical problem. Universal Design can be said to add

principles like “the same entrance for all” or “the same opportunity for all” to accessibility, in

order to ensure participation and integration in a more equal manner. For this reason it is

necessary to be specific about accessibility requirements of major user groups, in order to give

planners and designers an idea about the specifi c Universal Design targets. It is also necessary to

make it clear that Universal Design consultants and representatives of end users have to be

involved early in the planning process. Suggested user groups that should be involved in

establishing accessibility guidelines, mainstream policies and solutions are wheelchair users and

persons with reduced mobility, with visual or hearing impairments, with intellectual disabilities,

or with asthma and allergies. In the majority of cases the requirements of these groups will also

cover most other user groups

Universal Design and assistive technology

Universal Design makes an environment, a communication device or a service easier to use for

everyone and for people with disabilities in particular, but does not make assistive technology

obsolete. People with disabilities in need of a certain level of support will continue to require the
use of assistive technology, and Universal Design solutions must be able to interact with these

technologies.

Compatibility and adaptability to commonly available assistive technology devices become

keywords, and in-depth knowledge of user requirements and assistive technology is thus

indispensable when shaping society’s services and environments. Without this knowledge the

results will be costly adaptations, retrofitting or a low degree of usability. Examples of Universal

Design and assistive technology interaction:

• A built environment designed for use by all types and sizes of wheelchairs, walking frames,

etc., is an efficient environment for users of this kind of assistive technology, and is at the same

time easier to use for parents with prams, travellers with suitcases on wheels, etc.

• In a cinema many people with hearing aids can hear the sound track if the cinema is equipped

with a compatible induction loop system.

• A website complying with web accessibility requirements is more useful for blind and dyslexic

persons with screen readers reading the page aloud, and screen readers are increasingly

becoming a standard feature of common software.

• Powered height-adjustable tables, when properly designed, can be seen as compatible with

wheelchairs, as they allow everyone, including wheelchair users, to fi nd a comfortable working

position.

Universal Design as a method

The most widespread method of working with Universal Design on a national basis is through

defi ning accessibility requirements with the underlying principles of “the same entrance for all”
or “the same opportunities for all”. Traditionally, the following seven main principles2 are listed

when explaining Universal Design, but it should be noted that they have their roots in the design

of built environments and products, and that they have to be expanded further. When it comes to

achieving equal rights, accessibility and democracy through Universal Design, the challenge is to

incorporate these seven principles into mainstream thinking, planning and methods in all fi elds

of society:

• equitable use: useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities;

• fl exibility in use: accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities;

• simple and intuitive use: easy to understand regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge,

language skills, or current concentration level;

• perceptible information: communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless

of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities;

• tolerance for error: minimises hazards and adverse consequences of accidental or unintended

actions;

• low physical effort: can be used effectively and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue;

• size and space: appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation and

use, regardless of the user’s body size, posture or mobility. Besides the translation of principles,

attention should be paid to the stages of the Universal Design process, not least in national or

local projects that need to be robust, sustainable over time and with lower costs. If practical

results are desired the focus should be placed on:

• adoption and decision on principles;

• co-ordination between key actors;

• practical implementation;

• evaluation and efficient follow-up.

In this sense Universal Design projects do not differ from other projects or policies. In product-

and service-oriented organizations it is essential to have strategies for supporting planners and

designers in the development process, and some of the ingredients are: provision of adequate

tools, skills and education of personnel, accompanied by assigning of responsibilities in

Universal Design to management levels, ranging from research over development and

engineering to marketing

Wide sets of complementary measures are mentioned. The more robust Universal Design plans

described seem to be national and local programmes with top-down spreading of the philosophy;

they are especially effi cient when backed by legislation, acts and regulations for implementation

and follow-up. NGOs in general play a very important part in establishing the plans. Unco-

ordinated campaigns are regarded as unsatisfactory. Accessibility is seen as a prerequisite for

achieving equal opportunities for people with disabilities in all fi elds of society. To promote the

prevention of barriers, avoiding retrofi tting, policies based on user requirements or user-centred

dialogue have become prevalent in many countries. The sustainability of the Universal Design

process is an important issue in the implementation of action plans and initiatives, as the

processes have to be functional over a long period of time in order to achieve results. Several

countries have seen a clear shift from organising society via legislation to organising it through

the market. Other countries, however, have brought legislation back into focus, owing to the

inadequate response of market mechanisms when it comes to ensuring equal rights. In disability
issues there has been a shift from a medical model towards a model of independent living and the

promotion of human rights. Likewise, a social model has been combined with a human rights

model, and Universal Design is brought up on the political agenda as a bridge between the two

models, at many different levels. Within education, several member states have undertaken

efforts to integrate children and students in mainstream primary and secondary schools, and there

seems to be an overall improvement in the availability of facilities and personal provisions for

people with disabilities attending higher education. Half the countries in the overview have

introduced Universal Design into the curricula of professions working on the built environment

Research programmes and a more widespread use of guidelines and standards are mentioned in

member states’ replies. Co-ordinated information databases on products and assistive

technologies that can be used for Universal Design purposes are running in several countries.

Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) guidelines have been implemented in mainstream websites in

many states. Not all fi nal products are fully accessible yet, but progress is visible. Many

countries, organisations and cities test labelling as a tool for tourist information and publicity

campaigns in member states. In many cases, public organisations in member states are running

projects within disability management programmes. In the private sector of some member states

major companies are including disability management as part of corporate pol icies, in parallel

with human resource management for employees with disabilities. It should be noted, however,

that despite the many positive initiatives, responses to our questionnaire show that many

initiatives still have to be taken, or need to be coupled with more effective processes.

Linked to the action lines of the Council of Europe Action Plan to promote the rights and full

participation of people with disabilities in society: improving the quality of life of people with

disabilities in Europe 2006-2015 (Council of Europe Disability Action Plan 2006-2015), a

selection of examples of good practice in Universal Design is presented together with additional

issues. Universal Design features and limitations of the ex amples are brought forward as an

inspiration to national and local initiatives. NB: Not all examples are perfect in every respect, but

nevertheless feature aspects of Universal Design considered noteworthy. Besides co-ordination

with the Council of Europe Disability Action Plan 2006-2015, the examples take note of the

phases in the process of Universal Design: Adoption and decision on principle, Co-ordination,

Implementation and Evaluation. The Council of Europe Disability Action Plan 2006-2015 in

itself is a good example of a general action plan focusing its action lines on the same principles.

1st National Accessibility Plan 2004-2012, Spain

Description: The 1st National Accessibility Plan is a strategic framework to promote and

consolidate the measures of the Spanish Government, together with other government

administrations and public and private organisations, planning to remove barriers and to

introduce the Design for All concept. It was created in the context of Act 51/2003 on Equal

Opportunities, Non-discrimination and Universal Access for People with Disabilities to enable

the Spanish Government to foster implementation of this legislation. Its aim, therefore, is to

promote equal opportunities and non-discrimination for people with disabilities, while

simultaneously improving the quality of life for the population as a whole. The main objectives

of the plan are to carry out those studies needed to fulfi l the general aspects of the Act to

regulate the basic conditions for accessibility and non-discrimination and to promote

accessibility. Special attention is devoted to social services, justice, new technologies of

information and communication, and infrastructure for leisure and tourism. Activities considered

within the plan include awareness- raising campaigns, training on “Accessibility” and “Design
for All” in universities, promotion of research in this area and co-operation between different

actors.

The plan has been commissioned by the Spanish Ministry for Employment and Social Services

(MTAS), who will supervise implementation of the plan, but it will not be the only body

responsible for carrying it out: many public and private agents have to play a role in making

accessibility more widespread in buildings, streets, services and products. In operation: 2004-

2012.

The Government Action Plan for increased accessibility for persons with disabilities. Plan for

Universal Design in key areas of society, Norway

Description: The Government Action Plan for increased accessibility for persons with disabilities

aims to enhance accessibility for all, and directs a special focus towards persons with functional

impairments. These include disabilities affecting vision, hearing, cognition and sensitivity to

environmental factors (individuals with asthma and allergies). The action plan is designed to

unify and strengthen efforts to increase accessibility to buildings, outdoor environments,

products and other important areas of society. The plan incorporates initiatives under the

auspices of 15 different ministries. The following fi ve principles form the basis for the action

plan:

o It incorporates all important areas of society.

o It is rooted in the principle of sector responsibility

o Government initiatives will be co-ordinated.

o Efforts will be based on user participation at all levels.

o Measures and their impact will be assessed on an ongoing basis.

The plan includes more than 100 concrete actions with an annual budget of more than €35

million. €2.5 million is used each year to stimulate innovation and new actions. Budgetary

guidelines help to set priorities in directorates and other central agencies

Universal Design features: The action plan emphasises the importance of embedding the

Universal Design strategy into government policies and administration, as has already been done

in several acts relating to universities, colleges, and vocational school education. The Universal

Design strategy will be included in acts for public procurement, building and planning

Design for All – a Nordic programme for action, the Nordic countries

Description: The Nordic Action Plan 2005-2007 Design for All – the Nordic Programme for

Action was adopted by the Nordic Council of Ministers4 in 2005. The action plan, which is

based on the principle of mainstreaming, announces Universal Design/Design for All as a crucial

strategy for improving accessibility within the Nordic Council of Ministers and offers 17

measures, which are divided into three parts: an overall strategy; information strategy; and

accessibility to the institutions of the Nordic Council of Ministers. The action plan is based on

the proposal worked out by the Secretariat of the Nordic Council on Disability Policy. The action

plan is aimed at developing awareness within the area of Design for All and promoting

systematic work towards full accessibility within the Nordic Council of Ministers, its institutions

and, in the long run, of society in the Nordic countries for all citizens. This strategic document

implies a change of policy, permanent commitment towards accessibility of all work undertaken

by the Nordic Council of Ministers from 2006 onwards, allocation of more considerable fi

nancing, necessity of research and assessment of consequences for people with disabilities as
part of the planning process. All institutions of the Nordic Council of Ministers that coordinate

Nordic co-operation in different sectors must implement the action plan and include accessibility

aspects in their policies and budgets. All Nordic Council of Ministers institutions must apply the

Nordic Council on Disability Policy’s competence and experience whenever their work

addresses issues of concern to people with disabilities. Universal Design features: The Nordic

Action Plan Design for All – a Nordic Programme for Action underlines the importance of

incorporating a Design for All perspective into existing and new programmes and action plans

for co-operation between the Nordic countries within all sectors and on different levels as well as

co-operation with the adjacent areas.

Description: Scientifi c and technical network mainly formed by universities and with an

enterprise component. The main objective of CEPACC is to promote research and knowledge

exchange to improve accessibility in the areas of communication, information and new

technologies, giving special attention to the needs of people that could potentially be excluded

from these areas, either because of their disabilities or for any other reason. CEPACC has been

created as a framework for co-operation between scientifi c institutions and the enterprise sector.

Universal Design features: Areas of research have been defi ned including principles of Design

for All, and all types of impairments and disabilities are brought to study. Among the activities

of the network there is co-ordination and participation in the elaboration of guidelines for the

design of accessible interfaces and tools for content management, as well as the detection of

emergent technologies, considering in these actions the variety of user requirements, in particular

those of people with disabilities. Beneficial for all people, including people with disabilities and

elderly people, users of communication technologies

Description: The course “Expert on Universal Accessibility and Design for All” is the Spanish

University Centre La Salle’s answer to the requirement established in the Spanish National Plan

of Universal Accessibility 2004-2012 encouraging the development of activities aimed at

training new professionals as “Advisors on Accessibility”. The objective is to solve the problem

of a lack of postgraduate studies on accessibility in Spain and, therefore, the lack of awareness

on Design for All in the professional environment. Universal Design features: Universal

Accessibility and Design for All are considered in this course in the context of the Law of Equal

Opportunities, Non-discrimination and Universal Access for People with Disabilities, on the

basis of the concept of quality of life and equal rights for all persons, including people with

disabilities. The involvement and co-ordination of all responsible stakeholders is considered as a

mandatory element for the realisation of these rights. The main target groups are architects, town

planners, engineers, designers, and professionals in sectors such as computers and

telecommunications (CICT), tourism, education, enterprise and the economy.

During 2004 the municipal government took the decision that accessibility in Katchulka could be

of great interest in the context of EU accession and undertook a number of initiatives and

engagements directed at the development of the mountain area, accepting the principle of

Universal Design as fundamental for all innovations. The municipality of Sliven took a number

of political decisions and launched a number of innovative administrative measures: political

documents were created (plans for the development of the municipality; strategy for the

development of Katchulka, etc.); structural changes in the municipal administration were carried

out; a special fund for project co-fi nancing was established; a series of agreements with civil,

professional and scientifi c units were signed; new bilateral interrelations were started at

international level, etc. Simultaneously, the municipality started the development of two pilot
projects on the principles of Universal Design to demonstrate their capacity to use European

resources. It is envisaged that these projects will relate to homes for people with different specifi

c needs. They were entirely in conformity with the national legislation on accessibility; however,

a special expert group developed criteria on how to improve each project. Special attention was

paid to the building materials as well as materials for the interior design in terms of possible

allergic reactions. Physical accessibility was thoroughly reconstructed according to the specifi c

needs of all people concerned, including people with different disabilities, and also according to

the multifunctionality of the building: special lifts were constructed, suitable for people with

physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities; internal marking was established to direct people

with visual and also with intellectual disabilities; all interior elements (including decorative

elements on terraces and in grounds) are a result of design solutions consistent with the specifi c

requirements of mentally disabled persons; sanitary facilities were reconstructed in such a way as

to be suitable for people of lower stature or wheelchair users; all assembled units recognised the

possible requirements of consumers with reduced mobility. Particular attention has also been

paid to landscape design and planning. Plants were chosen to respect the requirements of people

with mental disabilities and illnesses. Wires and cables in the buildings signify revolutionary

changes in the ICT sphere as well as opportunities to improve security. Infrared movement

sensors were installed in every room without threatening the rights of people to privacy but in

order to assure the functioning of all technical systems. The corridors and main exits were

equipped with cameras. All the colours, including those on the facades, were also chosen

according to the specifi c requirements of people with mental disabilities. The heating, plumbing,

sewerage and electric systems were entirely reconstructed. Owing to the mountain locality, all

systems were reinforced against bad weather conditions or natural disasters. The reconstruction
was also enforced by alterations in the location of equipment in the building, and changes in

room sizes with the aim of being of maximal and universal use. Heaters were chosen according

to an entirely new concept. The biggest challenge for the team was the limited fi nancial

resources. Consequently, all improvements and reconstructions were made in terms of maximal

effectiveness (optimal cost-benefit ratio). First results show that all rooms reconstructed in

conformity with the principles of Universal Design could be used with full value by all people,

regardless of their specific needs, at any time of the year, with different purposes – for working

rooms, everyday necessities or other purposes. The next step will be to improve the village

infrastructure in such a way as to let all people use all equipment in the complex and to move

around freely without the need of assistance. In operation: 2004.

Public transport system, Barcelona, Spain

Description: Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) has started a process for the

improvement of accessibility in all public transport in Barcelona city. The master plan has been

entrusted to a working group which includes the Municipal Institute of People with Disabilities

and other relevant groups. Furthermore, TMB has signed an agreement to collaborate with the

Consorci de Recursos per a la Integració de la Diversitat (CRID) – the technical department of

the Diputaciò de Barcelona – which validates accessibility. Nowadays, accessibility is ensured in

most parts of the public transport network in the city, together with an information service about

the best combination of adapted public transport. A complimentary “door-to-door” service is

offered to address the needs of people with serious mobility limitations who may face diffi -

culties at certain moments or in routine activities. This service is provided by the City Council of

Barcelona, through the Municipal Institute for people with disabilities, with the collaboration of

the Metropolitan Transport Authority and the Metropolitan Transport Entity. Universal Design
features: Decision, co-ordination and evaluation of accessibility in public transport. Universal

accessibility is considered in a holistic concept: diversity of needs and variety of users are taken

into account. Physical accessibility – already at a good level of implementation – as well as

accessible communication and information systems are concerned, that is, users can enjoy WAP

mobile phones or electronic diaries (PDAs) to plan their travel, both through on-line and offline

TMB services. More information in English: www.tmb.net/en_US/barcelona/

bonviatge/transportpertothom.jsp In operation: Since 1992.

Description: Deutsche Bahn AG continues to implement Universal Design in the areas of trains,

stations and services, to achieve a comfortable travel experience for all passengers. Universal

Design Features: DB AG is implementing Universal Design progressively in all sectors: on long-

distance services all trains have one or two wheelchair spaces and an adjacent toilet for

passengers with disabilities. Vehicle-mounted boarding aids and further measures are part of the

specifications for all new train systems. On regional services all trains are already equipped with

a mounted boarding aid, toilets for passengers with disabilities, and digital information systems

providing visual and auditory passenger information. Boarding, alighting, and connecting

services are available in more than 300 of the 460 stations in the long-distance network. A

customer service centre for disability matters co-ordinates all activities within DB AG relating to

passengers with special needs. It develops, manages and implements innovative services for

mobility-impaired customers and acts as a liaison to respective associations and political groups.

For passengers requiring support beyond Universal Design features, DB AG offers the Mobility

Service Centre, providing assistance and technical equipment to enable passengers to board,

alight from and change trains. It also provides travel information specifi cally for people with

disabilities, for example how to choose direct routes or reserve suitable seats. The information
brochure “Mobility for all – services for mobility-impaired passengers” provides advice and an

overview of DB AG services for passengers, and is also available online and on CD for blind and

visually impaired people. Accessible websites, timetable software and speech-operated

interactive voice systems support convenient travel planning and ticketing for all passengers. In

operation: Activities and service centres started in 1999; ongoing replacement and upgrade of

vehicles and stations. Feasibility: Originating in Germany, in strong co-operation with European

Railways, for example harmonised quality standards in order to make cross-border travel more

comfortable for persons with disabilities and to simplify the travel experience as a whole. Benefi

cial for: All passengers, especially passengers with mobility impairments. Limitations: Owing to

the long life of trains and the large number of stations, measures can only be applied

incrementally over a fairly long period of time.

Ultra-Low Floor system, Austria

Description: The Ultra Low Floor (ULF) system allows passengers easier access to vehicles by

providing a lower standard access height and an additional ride-height adjustment, while also

eliminating any interior steps or pedestals and providing optical and tactile guidance to

passengers. Universal Design features: Surpassing existing low-fl oor ve hicles, the ULF system

provides a lower general access height of just 197 mm, an additional bending front segment of

80 mm, and an optional retractable mechanical ramp, allowing convenient and step-less entry for

all passengers and support for people with reduced mobility, even for street-level tram stops. The

ULF system also allows the interior space to be free of any obstructions such as steps or

pedestals and incorporates both optical and tactile guidance systems outside and inside the

vehicle, making it easy and convenient for passengers to move around. In operation: 1997; 150

vehicles in Vienna (Austria), 150 more ordered. Feasibility: All countries; of specifi c interest to
cities that have been growing historically and thus frequently have streetlevel public transport

stops without elevated platforms for pedestrians.

Beneficial for: All passengers; special benefi t for passengers with reduced mobility, such as

passengers in wheelchairs, elderly passengers, passengers with pushchairs, passengers with

visual impairments

Universal design is a non-exclusive design concept. Everyone is affected by universal design and

universal design affects everyone. As a design concept, universal design has a greater effect on

specific groups of people who are concerned about the design of the built environment. For

instance, wheelchair users, pregnant women, caregivers of the elderly, people with babies in

strollers, and bicycle riders are concerned about curb cuts or sloping curbs. This synergy of

diverse groups makes the design universal. In the process of design, the participatory process

needs to include a widely diverse group of effected users. For instance, participation in design

might include the young, the elderly, people with disabilities, mothers, fathers, workers,

travelers, or any group who will use the environment to be designed. Universal design includes

participation, consultation, and opinions from a broad cross-section of the user population. It is

up to the universal designer to solicit participation and input. Failure to do so will inherently

limit universal design. This participation or consultation is vital because of the cost of universal

design and the time occurring between initial design and renovation. This popular participation

in universal design is not theoretical. There are no hard and fast guidelines for achieving

participation or consultation. These are only limited to the imagination of the project design

team. It is only certain that project designers must consult users before and during the design

process. 2.11 Having said who is affected by universal design, it is important to say who is not

affected by the universal designing processes --- those groups of people who will not use the
piece of the built environment to be designed. For instance, if the World Bank is building a

hospital in Asia or Africa, it is not important to seek participation or consultation from people in

Latin America. You cannot transplant the universal design of specific facilities from one region

of the world to another. To the casual observer, this process might seem self-evident, but some

rudimentary guidance might be sought.

Cost of Universal Design

Often, universal design is perceived to be costly; however, sometimes concerns about its cost

are based on lack of knowledge and experience and inaccurate estimates of the actual cost of

construction.7 The assumption about costs of universal design often exaggerates the actual cost

and disregards savings. This section discusses the cost of design, both with and without

incorporating universal design.

Cost of incorporating universal design

The major cost incurred in incorporating universal design is the cost to retrofit various features to

accommodate specific needs. When managed appropriately, however, this retrofitting cost can be

minimized. Good practices of cost-effective universal design include the early incorporation of

universal design and local stakeholder participation in it.

Research has shown that providing full access facilities from the outset has additional costs of

approximately one percent. However, the cost of making adaptations after a building is

completed is far greater; it can rise up to five percent or more of total cost depending on the

modification of the architectural features of the building. For example, universal design is often

considered to require much more space to accommodate wheelchairs. Two design research

studies showed, however, that redesigning non-accessible buildings required no additional space,
but just rearrangement of the existing plan.8 These findings imply that universal design would

not require many additions if introduced before drawing the blue prints of a building. In addition

to the early incorporation of universal design, local stakeholder participation in the designing

process is a key to cost effective universal design. Appropriate universal design varies according

to local conditions. Best practice in one region is not necessarily workable in another context.

For example, in a country where wheelchairs are prevalent and braille or hearing aids are

available, it is straightforward to design the building with ramps specifically graded for the

wheelchairs, Braille signage, or induction loops for hearing aids. In a country where these are not

readily available, the building would be designed differently because end-users would be less

independent without wheelchairs or Braille or hearing aids. The goal of universal design is to

benefit the entire population, not just people with disabilities. Therefore, consultations with a

variety of potential users (e.g., elders, caregivers with children, etc.) are crucial in order to

maximize usability of Bank-funded facilities, as these people are the most knowledgeable about

their own needs. In this process, it is helpful to educate designers, builders and citizens about the

purpose and benefits of universal design for the whole community so that they understand its

value and work to find good solutions to problems. Participation of local stakeholders is also

critical for cost effective universal design because it helps identify locally available products and

construction techniques. With resource restrictions, project designers are required to use local

materials or techniques as much as possible to avoid significant cost impacts. This is also an

important consideration to ensure that such facilities are maintained by local communities

afterwards. While cost of universal design could remain low with its incorporation from the

outset and local participation, the cost of not incorporating universal design can be significant,

taking into account human cost and opportunity cost incurred due to inaccessibility. When
buildings are inaccessible, the human cost of having people to provide assistance would be

greater. When someone does not have easy access, the time and effort of other helping

individuals will have to make up the difference of the lack of universal design, although the

whole scale of this cost cannot be easily calculated. Furthermore, cost of inaccessible

infrastructure would be sharply increased by eliminating economic opportunity for a number of

individuals. Physical barriers reduce the economic and social output of persons with disabilities

and elders, and investments in the removal and prevention of architectural and design barriers are

increasingly being justified on economic grounds. The cost of not incorporating universal design

could be particularly significant for some types of countries: For example, countries affected by

conflicts or natural disasters may have a high prevalence of impairments and disability. 10

Failing to incorporate these people into economic, social, political and cultural activities will

guarantee a cycle of poverty for survivors and their families, and prevent vigorous economic and

social development in the long run. Similarly, aging societies, increasingly prevalent in some

middle income and many high-income countries, are facing the challenge of enhancing social

and economic participation of large numbers of senior citizens. While elders might not consider

themselves to have disabilities, many of them may experience a decrease in vision, hearing,

physical abilities, and cognitive abilities. Creating physical barriers to their participation will

increase the financial impact on social protection systems, decreasing their quality of life. While

the above-mentioned cases concern the large portion of citizens with functional limitations,

countries that depend on a tourism economy are likely to pay high opportunity costs for

inaccessible infrastructure by excluding people with disabilities, elders, or even parents with

small children who may otherwise visit these countries. Studies indicate that the tourism market

for senior citizens and people with disabilities is potentially large. For instance, the percentage of
older Europeans who travel has increased from seven to 40 percent in the past 20 years.

Evidence also shows that people with disabilities want to travel more frequently if facilities and

services are more usable and accessible. Barriers in public transportation, hotel accommodations,

and other facilities will prevent countries from capturing a share of the growing international

tourism market that will exceed one billion tourists by the year 2010. It is estimated that by not

adapting its inaccessible infrastructures the tourism industry fails to capture approximately 15-

20 percent of the global market share.

 CHAPTER FIVE
The paper stands to increase awareness on the importance of conforming with UD strategies in

the development of accessible academic environments. It further draws attention to the

inadequate and lack of appropriate provisions for the handicapped members of the society in the

design and development of public environments. In general, the paper has established a new

empirical based study from where further studies can be generated. Based on the findings of the

study, the following recommendations are made: where possible, the buildings should be

retrofitted with necessary accessibility provisions where they are lacking or inappropriately

provided; measures should be put in place by the university management to ensure that further

high-rise buildings in the university are designed and developed to comply with universal design

strategies generally, especially with regards to vertical movement provisions; there is also a need

to review building development guidelines in the study area to ensure that they are capable of

promoting social inclusion in the development of the built-environment; building professionals,

especially architects should always take care to make adequate provisions for the accessibility

needs of everyone, including people with disabilities, in the development of high-rise buildings.

Conscious efforts should be made to ensure easy vertical movement for all potential users in

such buildings. For the same reason, similar studies could be extended outside the university

environment to include office buildings, hotels and residential apartment blocks. An objective

approach was adopted to conduct this study. Further studies can employ subjective means that

rely on users’ perception to evaluate the effectiveness of vertical movement components in high-

rise in meeting users’ needs.

 REFERENCE
[1] Hadley, B. (2017). Vertical School Design. Journal Series on Vertical School Design.

[2] Salmen, J. P. S. (2011). Universal Design for Academic Facilities. New Directions for

Student Services, Volume 2011, Issue 134

[3] Sholanke, A. B., Adeboye, A. B., Oluwatayo, A. A. & Alagbe, O. A. (2016). Evaluation of

Universal Design Compliance at the main entrance of selected public buildings in

Covenant University, Ota, Ogun state, Nigeria. 3rd International Conference on African

Development Issues (CU-ICADI 2016).

[4] Times Higher Education (2019). World University Rankings. Retrieved November 12, 2019

from https://www.timeshigh ereducation.com/world-university-rankings.

[5] Covington, G. A. (1996). Access by Design. John Wiley & Sons Publishers. ISBN 10:

0471287261

[6] The City of Calgary (2010). Universal Design Handbook. Canada. The City of Calgary

Printing Press

[7] Gulliksen, J., Yngling, A. A., Persson, H. & Ahman, H. (2014). Universal Design, Inclusive

Design, Accessible Design, Design for All: Different Concepts-One Goal? On the

Concept of Accessibility- Historical, Methodological and Philosophical Aspects.

Universal Access in the Information Society.

[8] Izzo, M. V. (2012). Universal Design for Learning: Enhancing Achievement of Students with

Disabilities. Procedia Computer Science, 14: 343-350

[9] Sholanke, A. B., Adeboye, A. B. & Alagbe, O. A. (2019a). Adequacy of Ogun State Building

Development Regulatory Legislation in Promoting Universal Design Practice in Nigeria.

International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), Volume 10, Issue

04, pp. 484-510

[10] Steinfield, E. (1994). Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access. Sixth Ibero-

American Conference on Accessibility, Center for Independent Living, Rio De Janeiro,

Brazil.

[11] Sholanke, A., Adeboye, A., Alagbe, O., Fadipe, D. & Iyoha, J. (2018). Universal Design

Framework for the Development of Adaptable Architectural Studios for Learning

Environments. INTED2018 Conference, Valencia, Spain.

[12] Copeland, E. (2014). Promoting Universal Design in Public Buildings: An Action Research

Study of Community Participation. A thesis submitted to Auckland University of

Technology, New Zealand.

[13] Rossetti, R. (2010). Ten Myths About Universal Design. Action Magazine. Texas, USA.

[14] Hibatullah, S. (2018). An Evaluation of the School of Engineering Buildings at the

University of Jordan with Regard to Accessibility. A Journal from the Architecture

Engineering Department, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan.

[15] Ibem, E. O., Oni, O. O., Umoren, E. & Ejiga, J. (2017). An Appraisal of Universal Design

Compliance of Museum Buildings in Southwest Nigeria. International Journal of Applied

Engineering Research Volume 12, Number 23.

[16] Mustaquim, M. M. (2015). A Study of Universal Design in Everyday Life of Elderly Adults.

6th International Conference on software Development and Technologies for Enhancing

Accessibility and Fighting Info-exclusion (DSAI 2015).

[17] Yusita, K., Yong, S. & Thamrin, D. (2012). Entrance and circulation facilities of malls in

Surabaya: A universal interior design application. ASIA Pacific International Conference

on Environment-Behavior Studies Mercure Le Sphinx Cairo Hotel, Giza, Egypt, 31

October - 2 November, 2012.

[18] Kadir, S. A. & Jamaludin, M. (2011). Applicability of Malaysian Standards and Universal

Design in Public Buildings in Putrajaya. ASEAN Conference on Environment-Behavior

Studies, Savoy Homann Bidakara Bandung Hotel, Badung, Indonesia, 15-17 June 2011.

[19] Development Control Regulation (2015). Comprehensive Capacity Building Programme

(CCBP). Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India.

[20] Emporis Standards (2020). Data Standards: High-rise Building (ESN 18727). Retrieved

March 23, 2020, from https://www.emporis.com/building/standard/search/high-ris e

[21] National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (2018). National Fire Protection Association

5000, Building Construction and Safety Code.

[22] National Building Code (2006). The Federal Republic of Nigeria National Building Code,

(1st Edition). LexisNexis Butterworths

[23] The Building Regulations (2015). Access to and Use of Buildings Other than Dwellings:

Approved Document M Volume 2. Retrieved June 27, 2016, from Planning Portal:
 https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200135/approve_doc uments/80/part_m_-

_access_to_and_use_of_building/2

[24] Inclusive Mobility (2012). A Guide to Best Practices on Access to Pedestrian and Transport

Infrastructure. Retrieved March 10, 2016, from assets.publishing.service.g ov.uk:

[25] Department of Justice (2010). 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Retrieved

March 27, 2016, from www.ADA.gov:

https://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm

[26] Building for Everyone (2010). Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach.

Retrieved November 26, 2018, from URL http://www.universaldesign.ie

[27] Yin, R. K. (2014). Case Study Research: Design Methods

[28] Noor, K. B. M. (2008). Case Study: A Strategic Research Methodology. American Journal

of Applied Sciences, Volume 5, Issue 11.

[29] Sholanke, A. B., Adeboye, A. B. & Alagbe, O. A. (2019b). Design Solutions Creating

Barriers to Achieving Universal Design Compliance of Academic Buildings in

Universities in Nigeria. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology

(IJCIET), 10 (1): 671-690.

[30] Sholanke, A. B. (2019). Compliance of Academic Buildings with Universal Design

Parameters in Selected Universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. PhD Thesis, Department of

Architecture, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

[31] Sholanke, A. B., Adeboye, A. B. & Alagbe, O. A. (2019c). Design Solutions Creating

Barriers to Achieving Universal Design Compliance of Academic Buildings in

Universities in Nigeria. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology

(IJCIET), 10 (1): 671-690.