Tongzhou SINLOON Canal Creative District / officePROJECT. Image © Zhi Xia

如何運用7條通用設計原則創造更好的建筑？
How Do the 7 Principles of Universal Design Help Us Create Better Architecture?

由專筑網Zia，小R編譯

在解決建筑中的無障礙問題時，規范設定了基本準則，而設計則定義了體驗上限。盡管有許多指導原則，但為每個人創造空間并不意味著只需要遵守標準。好的設計要求我們對環境有深刻的理解，并具有廣闊的視角，讓我們的設計滿足不同身體、能力和條件的人使用，這些人群與規范定義的傳統使用群體并不相同。

此外，環境設計還面臨著包容性的挑戰，要確保那些特殊群體，如殘疾人、孕婦、使用輔助設備的人，以及不同年齡和體型的人等，不會被排除在設計體驗外。由Ronald L. Mace領導的北卡羅來納州立大學設計學院于1997年制定的通用設計原則在這方面提供了變革性的視角。這種方法影響了各個設計領域，包括建筑環境、產品和通信。當應用到建筑設計中時，它促進了創造適合每個人的空間，最大限度地減少了對后期改造或特殊設計的需求。

When addressing accessibility in architecture, codes set the baseline, while design defines the ceiling. Although numerous guidelines exist, creating spaces for everyone goes beyond mere adherence to standards. It requires a deep understanding of the environment and a broad perspective, recognizing that what we design will be used by people with diverse bodies, abilities, and conditions far beyond those traditionally considered typical users.
Furthermore, designing environments poses the challenge of inclusivity, ensuring that individuals who do not fit the standard profile—such as people with disabilities, pregnant women, those using assistive devices, and individuals of varying ages, body types, etc—are not excluded. The principles of Universal Design, established in 1997 by the NC State University College of Design and led by Ronald L. Mace, offer a transformative perspective in this context. This approach influences various design fields, including the built environment, products, and communications. When applied to architecture, it fosters the creation of spaces that work for everyone, minimizing the need for adaptations or specialized design.


Little Island Park / Heatherwick Studio + MNLA. Image © Timothy Schenck

要探討這七項原則，首先可以思考以下問題： 如果我們將這些原則應用到所有項目中會怎樣？想象一下，在這樣一種情況下，無障礙設計從一開始就不是附加條件或最低要求，而是固有特征，那么如何將它融入到每個設計階段和各種類型的項目中？


1. 使用的公平性

“設計對不同群體和特征的人都適用且好用”。

建筑的不同空間布局會導致顯著的差異，并對使用產生深遠的影響。例如，在某些情況下，主入口和無障礙入口不在一起，這就造成了不平等的用戶體驗。同時，這些設計也會造成功能上的分離，雖然有時能滿足特定的需求，但對建筑環境的包容性和便捷性提出了挑戰。

而設計的目標應當是確保不同人群能夠平等地使用所有資源，如公區、洗手間和展廳。在可能的情況下，每個人的通道都應相同，如果做不到這一點，那么至少體驗和感受應該相同。應避免區別對待，以確保所有可視、交流、隱私和保護的公平性。此外，設計應具有吸引力和一致性，體現出所有元素的真正融合。

To explore these seven principles, it is crucial to ask the following question: What if we applied them to all projects? Imagine an environment where accessibility is not an add-on or a minimum requirement but an intrinsic feature from the outset, integrated into every design phase and across various typologies.

1. Equitable Use
"The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities."
The spatial configuration of buildings can lead to significant differentiations with a profound impact. For example, in some cases, the main entrance and the accessible doorway are not the same, creating an unequal user experience. Even so, these arrangements can result in a functional separation that, while sometimes addressing specific design needs, poses challenges regarding inclusivity and flow within the built environment.
The goal is to ensure equal access to all resources, such as work areas, restrooms, and auditoriums. Wherever possible, access should be the same for everyone. If this isn't feasible, the hierarchy should be equivalent. Differentiation should be avoided to ensure that all isoptic visibility, communication, privacy, and protection are equally provided. Additionally, the design should be attractive and consistent, demonstrating a genuine integration of all elements.


Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park Toilet / Shigeru Ban Architects. Image © The Nippon Foundation


ONDIS, Oficina de No Discriminación y contra los Delitos de Odi / 7a+i. Image © Milena Villalba


2.使用的靈活性

“設計可滿足不同的個人喜好和需求”。

每個人對建筑環境的體驗感受都不盡相同。因此，在設計時必須考慮到靈活性，這樣建筑和室內空間才能提供多種用途，滿足個人喜好。此外，多樣化的產品和系統也增強了我們定制這些空間的能力，使配置更加精確且個性化。

我們設計的空間應該可以讓人們以適合自己需求的方式進行互動。重要的是，每個人步伐的速度、力量和高度都不同，提供有意識和適應性的設計有助于人們更舒適地與周圍環境相處。從這個意義上說，好的設計空間可以增強人們的感受，改善人們的日常體驗。

2. Flexibility in Use
"The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities."
Each person experiences the built environment uniquely. Therefore, designing with flexibility in mind is essential so buildings and interior spaces can offer multiple uses and accommodate individual preferences. Additionally, the diverse range of products and systems available enhances our ability to customize these spaces, enabling more precise and tailored configurations.
The spaces we design should allow people to interact in ways that suit their needs and pace. It’s important to remember that everyone has different walking speeds, strengths, and heights. This awareness and adaptability help us relate to our surroundings more comfortably. In this sense, the spaces and products we use can enhance our abilities and improve our daily experiences.


Bench Accounting Office Interiors / Perkins+Will. Image © Kim Muise


Rita Lee Park - Legacy of the Olympic Park / Ecomimesis Soluções Ecológicas. Image © Rafael Salim


3. 使用的簡單性與直觀性

“無論用戶的經驗、知識、語言能力或當下注意力集中程度如何，設計都應該易于使用與理解”。

“簡單”是一個在建筑中起著重要作用的概念，但要做到這一點則需要付出巨大的努力。除了美學之外，這一原則還側重于使環境在空間層面上易于理解。我們經常會遇到這樣的建筑：其導視標識令人困惑，人們不得不通過尋求幫助才能找到方向。

要設計簡單直觀的環境，則減少不必要的復雜性至關重要�？臻g本身以及信息元素和家具都應組織清晰，并以明顯的方式提示其用途。這些理念不僅有助于人們獲得無障礙的體驗，還能促進與環境更順暢的互動，尤其是對特殊人群而言。

3. Simple and Intuitive Use
"The use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level."
Simplicity is a concept that plays a significant role in architecture, but achieving it requires profound effort. Beyond aesthetics, this principle focuses on making the environment easily understandable on a spatial level. How often have we encountered buildings where navigation is confusing, forcing people to seek assistance to find their way around?
To design simple and intuitive environments, it is crucial to reduce unnecessary complexity. The space itself, along with informative elements and furniture, should be organized clearly and suggest their use in an obvious way. These concepts not only facilitate a more accessible experience but also promote a smoother interaction with the environment, especially for individuals with intellectual disabilities.


Inclusive Education Center / Enrico Molteni Architecture. Image © Marco Cappelletti


Medical Care Home / K&+ Architecture Globale. Image © Pierre Pommereau


4. 信息的可感知性

“無論環境條件或用戶的感官能力如何，設計都能有效地向用戶傳達必要的信息”。

與前一點緊密相關的是，可感知信息旨在通過感官設計的方式增強人們對空間的理解。這些信息通過聲音信號、觸覺鋪裝、圖案顏色、文字縮進等方式傳達，以確定方向、提供指示或提醒使用者。

這一原則提倡使用各種信息交互的方式，包括圖案、聲音和觸覺語言，通過多感官方式冗余地呈現信息。無論環境條件或個人感官能力如何，這種方法都能最大限度地提高可讀性。對比鮮明的色彩和紋理對于定位和指示至關重要，此外，空間應兼容各種輔助設備，如視聽設備等，以提高可用性，并加強人們對環境的理解。

4. Perceptible Information
"The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities."
Strongly tied to the previous point, perceptible information aims to enhance the understanding of space through sensory design. This information is communicated through audible signals, tactile paving, pictograms, and colors, indenting to orient, provide instructions, or alert users.
This principle promotes using various modes of communication, including pictorial, verbal, and tactile language, to present information redundantly through the senses. This approach maximizes legibility regardless of environmental conditions or individual sensory capabilities. Contrasting colors and textures are crucial for facilitating orientation and instructions. Additionally, the space should be compatible with various assistive devices, such as hearing loops, to enhance usability and understanding of the environment.


McDonald’s HQ Workplace / Studio O+A + IA Interior Architects. Image © Garrett Rowland


Narita International Airport Terminal 3 / Nikken Sekkei + Ryohin Keikaku + PARTY. Image © Kenta Hasegawa


5. 容錯性

"設計應最大限度地減少意外或非預期行動帶來的危害和不利后果"。

盡管我們在設計時盡可能地創造安全的空間，但某些條件仍可能帶來潛在的挑戰。因此，在應用容錯原則時，需要對各種元素進行組織，并將危險元素隔離開來。重要的是，人群在空間的使用過程中并不需要時刻保持警惕的行為。該原則尤其適用于電源開關、走廊和坡道等開放式流通區域、水池、或樓梯以及陽臺等高空位置。

5. Tolerance for Error
"The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions."
Although we do not design to create unsafe spaces, some conditions may still present potential challenges. Therefore, applying the principle of tolerance for error involves organizing elements so that the most frequently used ones are the most accessible while dangerous ones are isolated. It is also crucial to discourage actions that require constant vigilance from others. This approach is especially relevant for light switches, open circulation areas such as corridors and ramps, swimming pools, access stairs, and high-altitude locations like balconies.


West Lafayette Wellness Center / Perkins&Will. Image © James Steinkamp


Digi-Tech Factory / Coffey Architects. Image © Coffey Architects


6. 低體力消耗

“這種設計可以高效、舒適地使用，并將使用者的疲勞感降至最低”。

我們與環境互動的方式在很大程度上取決于我們的體能。因此，難以使用的設計會成為障礙。為了促進更順暢的交互，設計應支持中立的身體姿勢，最小的操作力，盡量減少重復動作，并減少持續的體力消耗。這種原則可確保在進行活動時將影響降至最低，從而促進用戶的健康并提升使用感受。

在設計空間時，應盡量減少水平變化和緩坡，使用符合人體工程學的家具，在出入口和閥門處安裝杠桿把手，使用非接觸式照明開關，并采用電梯和自動扶梯等機械支持，從而最大限度地減少體力消耗。

6. Low Physical Effort
"The design can be used efficiently, comfortably, and with minimum fatigue."
The way we interact with our environment depends significantly on our physical capabilities. Consequently, a design that is difficult to use can become a barrier. To facilitate smoother interactions, the design should support a neutral body posture, require minimal operating forces, minimize repetitive actions, and reduce sustained physical exertion. This approach ensures that activities are performed with minimal impact, promoting the health and well-being of the user.
Minimizing physical effort can be achieved by designing spaces with minimal level changes and gentle slopes, using ergonomic furniture, installing lever handles on doors and faucets, installing contactless switches for lighting, and incorporating mechanical circulation elements such as elevators and escalators.


Light Rail Tunnel Karlsruhe / allmannwappner. Image © Brigida Gonzalez


West Lafayette Wellness Center / Perkins&Will. Image © James Steinkamp


7. 大小與尺度

“無論使用者的體型、姿勢或活動能力如何，都要為其操作和使用提供適當的大小和空間”。

由于每個人都有自己的身型特點和需求，因此對伸展和移動能力的要求也大相徑庭。Neufert 在建筑尺寸標準化方面的探索就是一個例子，因為它提供了重要的人體測量參考，尤其是為使用輪椅的人提供了參考，為我們擴展方法以適應更廣泛的條件、體型和身高奠定了基礎。

為了確保有效的互動，必須考慮以下幾個方面，包括為坐著和站著的不同用戶提供清晰視線，以及方便用戶在兩種姿勢下使用所有功能。此外，小尺度設計必須適應手的大小和握力的變化，并為輔助設備提供足夠的條件�？紤]到這些因素后，所有用戶都能以舒適、無障礙的方式與環境互動。

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use
"Appropriate size and space are provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility."
Since each person has unique characteristics and needs, our demands for reach and mobility vary considerably. Neufert's work in standardizing architectural dimensions serves as an example in this context, as it provided crucial anthropometric references, particularly for people using wheelchairs. This research laid the groundwork for expanding our approach to accommodate broader conditions, body types, and heights.
To ensure an effective interaction, it is essential to consider several aspects, including providing a clear line of sight to relevant elements for both seated and standing users and facilitating access to all components in both positions. Additionally, the small-scale design must accommodate variations in hand size and grip and provide adequate conditions for assistive devices. These considerations enable all users to interact with the environment in a comfortable and accessible way.


Casavera / gon architects. Image © Imagen Subliminal (Miguel de Guzmán + Rocío Romero)


Bronx Children's Museum / O'Neill McVoy Architects. Image © Paul Warchol

雖然通用設計的每項原則本身都很有說服力，也很有必要，但建筑師面臨的真正挑戰是如何將這些原則同時無縫地融入整體設計中。在這種情況下，“最好的無障礙設計是無感的無障礙設計”，這句話總結的很好。另外，既然好的建筑體現了包容性，那么重視無障礙環境對這種包容性至關重要。如果我們渴望創造具有普遍開放包容的社會和建筑環境，那么為什么不為每個人創造基本平等的建筑呢？

While each of the principles of universal design is compelling and necessary in its own right, the real challenge for architects is to integrate them seamlessly and simultaneously into the overall design. The maxim that "the best accessibility is the one that goes unnoticed" resonates strongly in this context. Furthermore, since good architecture embodies inclusivity, it is crucial to acknowledge that accessibility is essential to this inclusiveness. If we aspire to create a society and built environment that are universally welcoming and inclusive, why not recognize that designing for everyone is a fundamental aspect of architecture?