Building the Future with the Principles of Universal Design

"Only if we can see the universe as a whole, in which each part reflects the totality and in which the great beauty lies in its diversity, will we begin to understand who we are and where we stand."

This phrase by Italian journalist, writer, and traveler Tiziano Terzani perfectly captures the importance of a universal mindset for building the future. The idea is particularly meaningful in architecture, which — by its very nature — shapes the future of everyone.

In a rapidly changing world, where populations are aging, mobility takes increasingly varied forms, and cultural awareness of inclusion continues to grow, architecture and design can no longer limit themselves to merely meeting minimum legal requirements.

Universal Design represents a forward-looking approach that places the human being — and their needs — at the center, regardless of physical, sensory, cognitive, personal, or gender conditions. It is not a passing trend, but a true responsibility.

What Is Universal Design

The concept was developed in the 1980s by American architect Ronald L. Mace, who defined it as the principle of designing environments and products that can be used by as many people as possible — without the need for later adaptations.

Universal Design goes beyond simply removing architectural barriers: it widens the perspective to include clarity of information, ease of use, safety of pathways, perceptibility of sensory stimuli, and the dignity of every individual who interacts with a space.

As highlighted in recent studies and research, adopting this approach means moving beyond compliance and transforming accessibility into a cultural value that enhances everyday life for everyone.

Why Universal Design Is Essential Today

There are many reasons why adopting the principles of Universal Design has become urgent. The first concerns demographic change: an aging population brings new needs — such as reduced mobility or visual and hearing difficulties — that must be considered from the earliest design stages.

However, it’s not only about older adults. Disabilities can be temporary, permanent, or invisible, and may include cognitive, sensory, or emotional challenges. Designing accessible spaces therefore means ensuring autonomy, participation, and safety for a very broad audience.

Moreover, the benefits extend well beyond people in fragile conditions: inclusive solutions create greater comfort and convenience for everyone. An automatic door, for example, is essential for someone using a wheelchair, but equally helpful for anyone carrying bags or pushing a stroller.

The Seven Principles That Guide Inclusive Design

Universal Design is founded on seven internationally recognized principles that provide concrete guidance for designers:

• Equity of use ensures that a space or object is useful to people with different abilities, without distinctions or the need for separate paths.

• Flexibility of use allows environments and products to adapt to different styles, preferences, and speeds of use — while also supporting greater sustainability.

• Simplicity and intuitiveness make an environment or device easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience or knowledge.

• Perceptibility of information ensures that messages reach everyone, through visual, auditory, or tactile cues.

• Fault tolerance minimizes risks and helps prevent accidents.

• Low physical effort reduces strain and makes daily interaction with spaces and tools more comfortable.

• Adequate size and space guarantee ease of movement and comfortable stops, regardless of the vehicle or aid used — while also preventing wasteful over-dimensioning, in line with environmental sustainability principles.

Concrete Applications in Everyday Places

Translating these principles into practice means designing buildings and infrastructures that truly speak to everyone. An accessible entrance, for example, is not limited to adding a ramp beside the stairs — it becomes a fluid, obstacle-free passage,where the door opens automatically and the corridor is wide, well-lit, and safe.

Access control systems must be intuitive, with easily reachable controls, clear visual and acoustic signals, user-friendly interfaces, and multiple modes of access — from badge readers to keypads to mobile applications.

Elements such as light and acoustics also play a key role in creating inclusive spaces: uniform lighting without shadow zones improves orientation, while effective sound management ensures that voice messages are clearly perceived without interference from background noise.

Even common furnishings and services, such as restrooms, can embody the principles of Universal Design when equipped with suitable handles, adequate space for movement, and mirrors positioned at appropriate heights.

History and Evolution of Universal Design

The first building designed entirely according to the principles of Universal Design is often identified as the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University, founded by Ronald L. Mace himself in 1989. There, the principles he and his team had defined were systematically tested — including accessible routes, legible signage, spacious layouts, and solutions usable without any adaptations.

Soon after, in the 1990s, several projects emerged in the United States that explicitly followed these seven principles. From there, the approach spread internationally, particularly in public buildings. One of the most widely recognized icons of this movement is the Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley, designed by LMS Architects.

The contemporary evolution of this approach is reflected in the design of smart cities, where Universal Design merges with sustainability and is supported by new digital technologies.

Why Universal Design Is Struggling to Spread

Despite several virtuous examples, Universal Design is still far from being applied systematically. It is often perceived as an unnecessary additional cost or as a requirement that benefits only a minority — when, in fact, it enhances the quality of spaces for everyone and reduces future adaptation costs.

A minimal regulatory approach, focused solely on removing architectural barriers, and a lack of cultural awareness also contribute to the problem. Accessibility is too often associated exclusively with motor disabilities, overlooking a broad range of real needs — including those related to age, sensory perception, or temporary conditions.

Added to this are gaps in professional training, concerns about sacrificing aesthetics or creativity, and resistance within the real estate market to changing established models. Overcoming these obstacles requires a shift in perspective: Universal Design is not an optional feature but an intrinsic quality of good design.

Some countries are already moving concretely in this direction. Norway, for example, through its Anti-Discrimination and Accessibility Act of 2008, mandates accessibility and inclusiveness in all new buildings and public infrastructure projects. Australia, meanwhile, has introduced a national framework — Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031 — which explicitly references the principles of Universal Design as a foundation for future policies.

Beyond Barriers and Standards: Toward Quality Spaces

Building the future with the principles of Universal Design means looking beyond regulatory compliance and embracing a vision that truly puts people at the center. It means overcoming not only physical and cultural barriers, but also promoting well-being and dignity for all.

Spaces conceived through this approach require no special adaptations — they are designed for everyone from the outset, becoming places of shared quality. It is an ambitious challenge, one that demands expertise, collaboration, and foresight. Yet it also represents a unique opportunity to make architecture and design genuine tools for inclusion.

Only in this way can we leave future generations a built heritage that is not only beautiful and functional, but also equitable and humane.