Journals Information
Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 9(3), pp. 690 - 707
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2021.090312
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The Importance of Universal Design for the Disabled in Public Buildings: A Public Building in Northern Cyprus as a Case Study
Ümran Duman 1, Kozan Uzunoğlu 2,*
1 Faculty of Architecture, Near East University, 99010, Near East Avenue, Lefkoşa, North Cyprus
2 Faculty of Architecture and Engineering, Bahçeşehir Cyprus University, 99010, Bahçeşehir Cyprus University Alayköy Campus, Lefkoşa, North Cyprus
ABSTRACT
It is essential that public buildings, which have an important place in the whole city and are open to every one's use, designed with the concept of universal design. Universal design; It aims to make standard designs for all groups of people living in a society with different characteristics, regardless of their physiological characteristics, age, gender, social, economic, and educational level. The design and use of public buildings, which are sometimes the city's symbol, sometimes the space that the citizens add color to their lives, and sometimes the facilities where services are received, are essential for the city's identity and the citizens. In this article, the concepts and principles of universal design were defined; the importance of anthropometry and ergonomics in universal design and its historical development were also discussed. As a part of the city, the universal design approach principles have been studied to design accessible, navigable, and accessible buildings together with the city. The legislation having a significant role in shaping the buildings and physical environment has also been discussed and interpreted within this scope. With this study, it has been revealed that "approach to building" (urban level), "circulation within building" (building level), and "reaching services in spaces" (space level) criteria, which are the primary approach criteria of universal design, coincide with the approach introduced in transforming the "user system" into a "building system". Thus, a criteria-based building evaluation form was created to evaluate many public buildings' design following universal design principles. From this point of view, the most used public building of Northern Cyprus has been comprehensively studied. The building's internal organization and its immediate surroundings have been examined and suggestions made within the framework of universal design principles.
KEYWORDS
Universal Design, Design for Everyone, Equal Use, Public Space, Public Buildings
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Ümran Duman , Kozan Uzunoğlu , "The Importance of Universal Design for the Disabled in Public Buildings: A Public Building in Northern Cyprus as a Case Study," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 9, No. 3, pp. 690 - 707, 2021. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2021.090312.
(b). APA Format:
Ümran Duman , Kozan Uzunoğlu (2021). The Importance of Universal Design for the Disabled in Public Buildings: A Public Building in Northern Cyprus as a Case Study. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 9(3), 690 - 707. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2021.090312.