The concept of Universal Design (UD) was developed in 1977. It was attributed to Ron Mace, founder of the Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University, among other designers who felt that the designing process in the built environment should be to the benefit of all—from the disabled to those who are not; from children to the very elderly.

The human-centered approach is the centre of the design process which facilitates equality and promotes an easier, friendlier, and safer life for all.

Universal design vs. conventional builds

Conventional builds cater to those who are typical, meaning those who don’t require modifications or alterations to their environment in order to easily access all design features.

Universal Design isn’t geared toward a “one size fits all” solution; rather, it aims “to push the boundaries of mainstream products, services and environments to include as many people as possible and provide the ability to customization to minimize the difficulties of particular users,” writes SA Rogers for Web Urbanist.

This definition goes on to explain that Universal Design “means adapting both existing architecture and new building projects to recognize the vast array of abilities, limitations, and differences that exist within our communities. To really embrace it, designers, architects, and planners must challenge their assumptions of what the ‘normal’ usage of a space will be, particularly since so many disabilities can be invisible to the casual observer,” writes Rogers.

Some of the principles of Universal Design include, for example, Equitable Use, Simple Intuitive Use, Perceptible Information, Low Physical Effort, and Size and Space for Approach and Use, as explained by Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology (DOIT).

Equitable Use refers to the design that is useful and marketable to those with diverse abilities. Simple Intuitive Use is easily understood regardless of the consumer’s language skills and knowledge. Perceptible Information clearly communicates effectively to the consumer regardless of their sensory abilities.

Low Physical Effort in design corresponds to how efficiently and comfortably the user can utilize the design. Size and Space for Approach of Use refers to the user’s ability to reach and maneuver the design comfortably regardless of their mobility, body size or posture.

Universal Design is being widely incorporated in the initial planning process not only by designers, but by architects, engineers, and city planners, among others engaged in built infrastructure, to meet the demands of ever-occurring societal changes. It is design that proves workable and benefits all users throughout their lives. In essence, the focus is on designing for diversity and indeed, equity.

It strives to provide a better quality of life for all individuals regardless of functional limitations. It’s recognized that Universal Design is forward thinking in the designing process; it’s a process rather than a result, with a focus on improved usability, social participation and the health of everyone.

Some examples of Universal Design in the built infrastructure include such things as automated doors for those with disabilities, integrated furniture components, and enhanced communication systems that make such things as power outlets more accessible and convenient for the user.

Eight goals of universal design

The eight goals of Universal Design incorporate such planning as:
• Body Fit – to provide for those with a range of body sizes and abilities
• Comfort – consideration for those with limited body function
• Awareness – Understanding that critical information can readily be communicated and perceived
• Understanding – Methods of use are clear, concise and intuitive
• Wellness – designing that prevents injury, health promotion enhancement, and the avoidance of disease
• Social integration – All individuals are treated with both dignity and respect

The promotion of aging in place

There is a large percentage of aging individuals that would like to continue living in their current place of residence. This provides them with a sense of life satisfaction, better health, and increased self-esteem.

According to a 2021 American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) survey, “about three-quarters of those 50+ would like to stay in their current homes or communities for as long as possible, compared to about half of those ages 18–49 who feel the same. In order to remain in their homes, 34 percent of older respondents recognize they may need to make physical changes to their house.”

For those aging individuals, housing designs need to be adaptable when considering a number of health conditions and capabilities that traditional designs can’t fully accommodate.

Some examples of such designing include no-step entrances, accessible floor level bathrooms and sleeping space, good lighting, sufficient planning for space, contrasting colours that aid in the promotion of good perception of boundaries, and comfortable-reach designs throughout the home.

Recognizing the needs of the disabled

In terms of building housing for individual with disabilities, Universal Design functions on the premise that housing can be created that is both usable and functional without requiring any adaptation.

Ron Mace, the noted founder of Universal Design mentioned earlier, was a disabled architect who strived to “make accessibility an essential part of architecture and to prioritize disability needs in design practices,” as described by the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

“Universal Design,” writes the Coalition, “predicts the needs and wants of a diverse group of users. Although the design approach benefits all users, it can lessen the need for assistive technology devices or make them easier to install and use because it was created for users with disabilities.”

Indeed, Universal Design is not only seen as a design process that benefits elderly or disabled individuals; it serves to benefit every member of a society through the promotion of accessibility of usable products, services and environments.

Benefits for all

Future renovations on a Universal Design building, particularly for a homeowner, have been taken into consideration so that expensive alterations can be reduced, equating to significant savings overall. For those planning to age in place, making design and renovation decisions to suit their needs as they age can be a smart choice. Such things as incorporating nonslip floors, enhanced lighting, and railings to avoid falls will save money and prevent injuries.

A home’s value will be increased through these choices, particularly considering that today’s buyers are seeking homes that accommodate multigenerational families. Incorporating Universal Design principles into a home is more appealing for a buyers’ market, lending itself to a more competitive sale.

With hazardous design features minimized, a safer environment for all is achieved for both residents and visitors. In addition, a Universal Design home presents a more welcoming and comfortable environment when one knows that customized safety features have been utilized.

Universal Design principles are important considerations for architects, engineers, designers, and city planners since they make use of space that is accessible, usable and convenient for all, regardless of age or ability. It should be the goal that everyone’s needs and requirements are taken into consideration, resulting in increased community involvement and a more satisfying life.

Sidebar:

The Disability Act of 2005 defines Universal Design as follows:

The design and composition of an Environment so that it may be accessed, understood and used
• To the greatest possible extent,
• In the most independent and natural manner possible,
• In the widest possible range of situations, and
• Without the need for adaptation, modification, assistive devices or specialized solutions, by any persons of any age or size or having any particular physical, sensory, mental health, or intellectual ability or disability, and
• Means, in relation to electronic systems, any electronics-based process of creating products, services, or systems so that they may be used by any person.
Source: universaldesign.ie/what-is-universal-design/policy-and-legislation

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All these can take a toll on any employee, presenting in the form of impaired mental health and overall well-being. Mental health issues are often overlooked in the construction industry. But they shouldn’t be – concerns about job safety and mental health are closely intertwined and will affect an employee’s overall state of well-being.

Signs of escalating stress can show up physically, psychologically, and behaviorally. Such stress can lead to depression and anxiety, and to drug or alcohol abuse as a coping mechanism. These in turn, can lead to accidents on the job site, illness, absenteeism, and presenteeism – being physically present but distracted and unfocused. A worker in this condition is an unsafe worker, who can cause injury not only to her- or himself, but to co-workers.

Proof of the seriousness of this concern comes from the U.S. Department of Labor in its statistics on the suicide rate among construction workers. A 2020 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that “Men working in construction have one of the highest suicide rates compared to other industries. Their rate of suicide is about four times higher than the general population.”

Unfortunately, few construction companies’ health and wellness programs tackle the issues of preventing suicide, controlling alcohol and substance abuse, and promoting mental health.

Fortunately, however, more companies are becoming aware that programs to foster mental well-being are a crucial component of their operations and their relationship with their workforce.

There is too often a stigma attached to mental health problems. Many skilled trades workers, especially males, tend to be stoic and perfectionist, not readily admitting to their ‘vulnerabilities.’ And males are less likely than females to seek help for mental health concerns.

This needs to change. Employers need to let their employees, at all levels, know that they’re in a work environment which promotes respect and that they’re encouraged to speak freely about any issues they may be experiencing.

Some construction companies offer mental health awareness programs and counseling, but it needs to go beyond that. Both companies and employees need a better understanding of how intricately mental health is bound up with worker performance and observation of safety protocols on job sites, indeed with the health of any construction company.

It’s important for supervisors and those in upper management to become familiar with and recognize signs of serious anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts in jobsite employees. Many such stressors go unreported.

According to the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), the signs that are reliable indicators include decreased productivity, conflict among co-workers, injuries and near hits, decreased problem-solving ability and an increase in tardiness and absenteeism, for example.

The CIASP also has suggestions for companies wishing to support the mental health of their employees. These include taking inventory of what actions the company currently engages in, making a commitment to focus on the mental health of employees, and creating a plan of action that extends forward from this starting point.

Construction companies can build on existing practices and processes to include mental health awareness as part of their culture through such things as toolbox talks, staff meetings, and safety orientations.

Education and training can also come in the form of corporate and safety leadership, guest speakers from the industry, and seminars and webinars. It’s essential that discussion and education move out of the realm of shadows and become ever-present components of a company’s agenda, focus, and communications.

Sean Strickland, Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Union (CBTU) notes that “Canada’s Building Trades Unions have been leaders in apprenticeship, health, and safety training for over 100 years. Through our 195 training centres, we work closely with our contractor-partners to privately fund ongoing training opportunities for our members.”

He says that the construction industry is changing rapidly and that “ongoing, integrated training is key to having the best-trained and skilled workforce anywhere in the world. Health and safety is a cornerstone of the building trades. We have advocated, and will always advocate, proper health and safety training – including mental-health training and support – to ensure every worker returns safely home at the end of the day.”

According to Construction Magazine, “There is no doubt the construction industry cares for its people. However, we are at a critical point in identifying solutions to help workers resolve their mental health issues. More must happen.

“Increasing awareness and treatment of mental health are essential for workers who require sound minds and bodies to be productive at work and available for their families and friends at home.”

Mental health information needs to be incorporated into safety orientation for all employees to ensure those working onsite are equipped by this knowledge to work more efficiently and safely. Companies may also provide counseling through employee assistance programs.

Employees need to know what their specific roles involve and who they should be taking directives from while on site. Employees should “take regular breaks, which are good for both their mental health and physical health. But for preventative measures to gain traction, you need supervisors and managers to model self-care and take breaks themselves.”

Regular mental health check-ins also prove beneficial. Health Shield research indicates that “57 percent of workers would feel more loyal to their jobs, be more productive and take less time off work if their employer supported their mental health.”

For those employers concerned about their employees’ mental health, there are options available to address the issues, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

These options include free or subsidized clinical screenings from a qualified mental-health professional and a clinical referral when required, offering health insurance with little or no out-of-pocket costs for medications or counseling in mental health. Lifestyle coaching and self-management programs can also prove effective.

Other options can include the distribution of such materials as brochures, fliers, and videos to employees indicating the signs and symptoms of diminished mental health. Employers can make employees aware of self-management techniques such as breathing exercises, proper diet with discounts for healthy foods and supplements, and meditation (mindfulness) which can aid in improving focus and motivation.

Additionally, companies should provide quiet spaces for relaxation, offering flexible hours when possible, access to exercise classes, and allowing employees’ the opportunity to freely participate in decisions about those issues that precipitate and affect job stress.

It’s important to note that The World Health Organization estimates that “depression, anxiety disorders, and other conditions cost the global economy $1 trillion per year in lost productivity.”

Also, mental health challenges “can lead to higher health care costs for employers. Some employers may not be aware, though, of exactly how much mental health care drives up insurance costs,” according to a team from Tufts Medical Center Program on Health, Work and Productivity. “One estimate showed that an employed person with depression has an annual average healthcare cost of over $10,000, which is more than twice that of an employee without depression ($4,584).”

Many employers now have health offerings that include personal digital or virtual technology solutions such as smartphones, tablets, fitness trackers, chatboxes, and gamified exercises, for example.

Such digital solutions are available at any time, are anonymous and offer therapeutic solutions which enable help on demand ruling out the wait for in-person therapy.

“Many of our affiliate training centers utilize new technologies like virtual reality training to build the necessary skillset for apprentices to go on jobsites and work more safely. Virtual training, videos, online learning modules – they all make training more accessible, creating the right environment to have a safer workforce.”

The CBTU’s Virtual Recruitment and Assessment Portal (constructiontradeshub.com) “Provides a virtual learning portal for anyone going through their apprenticeship or interested in entering the trades to start their training today,” says Sean.

He notes that the CBTU has created free health and safety and online courses “as a direct result of training directors from across the country who have identified areas in need of improvement that we can address virtually, making the trades more accessible to all.”

Wearables and digital biomarker apps collect physiological data. An employee can use their smartphone to report on their mood at any given time or record their voice to determine their emotional state. Smart watches can monitor heart rate, body temperature and electrodermal activity to determine their current state of well-being.

The employment of drones to identify dangerous terrain can improve jobsite management and safety by eliminating an employee’s risk of exposure to dangerous environments before projects begin. Drones ensure that construction companies engaged in a high-hazard industry are implementing high safety standards.

Drones also enable a company to get an idea of how projects are progressing and make sound tactical decisions based firmly on data. Drones equipped with laser sensing and ultrasonic radar can detect site irregularities, providing contractors real-time information and reducing the risk to employees’ safety.

In large scale construction such as skyscrapers, for example, drones can regularly inspect for maintenance requirements and identify emergencies if they should arise. Sending employees to do this task can put them at risk, something every contractor wants to avoid.

In conclusion, a culture of caring for employees’ mental health and well-being, through various initiatives, is a business imperative for any industry, especially that of construction and its trades.

These initiatives need to come from sound leadership enabling employees to feel psychologically and physically safe at all times of the workday. Everyone wants to arrive home safely. They have every right to expect that.

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Conceptualizing and gauging this multifaceted concept is different for everyone since numerous factors inevitably come into play. Suffice it to say that a satisfying quality of life is something for which we all strive, even more so when aging creates restrictions on one’s independence and capabilities.

The WHO has reported that by 2050, approximately two billion people aged sixty-five and over will be inhabiting this planet, with over seventy percent of the total world population likely to be living in cities.

This presents huge challenges for growing cities that must adapt and provide for their citizens’ expectations, especially their seniors, who are often overlooked in city planning. These seniors will require consideration if they hope to live the rest of their lives with a good quality of life. This quality of life and age-friendly city responses to seniors’ needs dictates one’s longevity.

This is where the ‘smart’ city concept will prove to be instrumental in serving an aging population. The premise is one of senior inclusion rather than exclusion in the cities they call home. Cities worldwide have incorporated the smart city concept into their planning by creating, implementing, and promoting information and communication technologies (ICT) to meet the growing needs of their citizens – young and old alike.

The technologies will include software and communication networks such as the Internet of Things (IoT) to enable both communication and relevant data exchange with connected devices. Data collected is stored on servers or in the cloud to monitor where improvements could optimize efficiencies to benefit all city residents.

Aside from IoT implementation, technologies such as artificial intelligence, application programming interfaces, cloud computing and machine learning can be assimilated into this framework to aid seniors in growing cities. Some smart cities have made available apps that can be installed on a visually impaired or blind individual’s smartphone or tablet. Such apps enable city navigation through real-time environment descriptions, street intersections, and shorter routes to destinations.

Installing a specific app that aids in navigating busy pedestrian crossings, for example, will aid those with restricted mobility. IoT traffic light sensors monitor the pavement and can determine when an elderly or disabled person is about to cross. This smart traffic light monitoring system adjusts the timing of the signal to give a pedestrian more time to make the crossing safely.

Smart cities are also realizing the advantages of employing geospatial technology comprised of geographical information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and remote viewing, all of which have improved substantially over the past decade. Those with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or some other form of cognitive or memory impairment can benefit from technologies that serve as a cloud-based GPS tracking platform. This can assist in locating a senior who wanders off and becomes disoriented. Police forces in cities can more readily locate missing people through their receiving equipment which uses radiofrequency technology to pick up signals. Dementia-assisting strategies like this are being invested in by several municipalities.

Various companies manufacture GPS trackers which can be placed in handbags, shoe soles, or ironed into one’s clothing. When trying to locate a lost and disorientated senior, time is of the essence. “More than sixty percent of those with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia will wander. If a person is not found within twenty-four hours, up to half of individuals who wander will suffer serious injury or death,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

In the healthcare realm, sharing medical data via the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) app enables medical professionals to stay connected with patients and caregivers through remote viewing and monitoring of vital signs and medication schedules, for example. This can eliminate visits to doctors’ offices or hospitals for minor ailments. Consultation and prescriptions are made available through technology, and prescriptions can often be delivered to a home.

Virtual assistants allow seniors help when needed through apps for touch screen tablets, many of which come with automated voices. This gives the senior a sense of someone there to assist—a sense of community—particularly if they live alone.

For the most part, seniors tend to be less active and are encouraged to aim for daily exercise in their communities. Smart cities providing adequate infrastructure with a focus on creating age-friendly environments such as suitable walking routes will achieve this. Designing accessible city neighbourhoods with shaded bench spaces encourages seniors to walk, and walk further, knowing that rest areas are available. The focus needs to shift from a senior’s limitations to encouraging activity.

Striving to improve seniors’ health lends itself to more social interaction and engagement in their community. This, in turn, gives a sense of meaning and identity for the senior rather than a feeling of isolation.

Technological solutions are proving to be viable options moving forward, yet improvements are required in the all-essential public transportation infrastructure to suit a city’s aging population. Being housebound and inactive can result from not having easy access to public transit. It is a fact that seniors who are active daily are more mentally astute and physically healthier for much longer.

For seniors who no longer drive, public transportation is a good option, particularly for those who rely on bussing systems. Safety and accessibility will require some adjustments in the design phase for this form of transportation.

Some senior transit bus options can include door-to-door paratransit services utilizing mini-buses or vans. This gives seniors greater flexibility with scheduling and in getting the assistance required on either end of their trip. Buses equipped with camera systems assist drivers in determining that a senior is safely seated before resuming travel, especially on crowded vehicles. Bus stops should have stable and slip-resistant surfaces to accommodate boarding and exiting.

Passenger movement for those with mobility aids should be adequate for both entering and departing with sufficient sidewalk clearance. Also, bus benches with shelters can prove useful if the wait time for a bus will be longer than fifteen minutes.

Level-boarding buses that kneel at the curb-side or lifts that ease boarding will help both the driver and the aged passenger by providing easy and accessible boarding while reducing boarding time.

Improvements in bus transit access such as additional stops and redesigning routes for those neighbourhoods underserved are well underway in cities across North America. Smart cities are taking into account the needs of their seniors who may be challenged with vision, hearing, or mobility impairment.

Aside from the aforementioned, WHO’s Global Age-Friendly Cities: A Guide notes several concerns when it comes to planning, designing, and implementing strategies for the age-friendly city, three of which include a pleasant and clean environment, green spaces, and age-friendly buildings.

A city’s peaceful natural surroundings are appealing to its seniors who seek noise-controlled, stress-free environments. This is especially true for those with dementia or deterioration in hearing. Hearing loss has the most impact on these people since their ability to comprehend their sensory environment is seriously reduced and can lead to disorientation and falls.

One of the most important elements in age-friendly cities for seniors is having safe, sufficient green spaces in their communities. The spaces should be both accessible and walkable with age-friendly pavements and seating areas for resting. Green spaces provide not only the opportunity for physical activity but social engagement and an appreciation for nature. This, in turn, can help stimulate the mind and the senses.

There are times when seniors, who are living much longer, would benefit most by living in a senior living community or nursing home. But the majority of seniors want to retain their independence, remain lively in their social circles, and live a healthy active lifestyle while remaining in their homes as long as they can. Doing so will require some modifications in their living space where required.

Universal design in the building design phase is a concept that is rapidly growing. This concept ensures that building design considers all of life’s stages up to the preparation for living in the golden years and aging in place.

Smart cities are designed for everyone so that a good quality of life can be achieved. It is not an easy task but special considerations given to seniors in the designing, planning, implementation, and evaluation stages will assure that these cities are responding to the needs of all their citizens. And seniors must have a voice in age-friendly strategic plans.

By doing so, what people deem to be a good quality of life becomes reality.

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