The Concern of Architects and Design Teams toward Universal Design and Its Implementation in Building Design (Case Study: “Architect ALIEN Design Consultant Firm”)

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between the concern of architects and design teams toward the application of Universal Design and its implementation in Detail Engineering Design (DED) documents. The study was conducted at Alien Design Consultant (Alien DC) and focused on projects that had reached the DED stage during the 2018– 2024 period. The research was motivated by the gap between accessibility regulations and Universal Design principles and their implementation in architectural design practice. This research employed a mixed-methods approach with a case study strategy. Data were collected through DED document audits using a checklist based on Universal Design principles and accessibility regulations, questionnaire surveys distributed to design team members, and semi-structured interviews with architects and design team members. The findings indicate that architects and design teams demonstrate a high level of concern regarding the importance of Universal Design in the design process. However, the implementation of Universal Design within DED documents varies across different design aspects and projects. The study identified a gap between architects’ concern and the actual implementation of Universal Design in design outcomes, particularly in elements that are not considered primary design priorities. This gap is influenced by factors such as time constraints, project targets, a focus on meeting minimum regulatory requirements, and the lack of systematic integration of Universal Design within the design review process. The study concludes that architects’ concern is an important factor in supporting the implementation of Universal Design, but it is not sufficient to ensure consistent application within DED documents. Therefore, the integration of Universal Design from the early stages of the design process, supported by design checklists, periodic design reviews, and capacity building for design teams, is necessary to promote more inclusive environments that can be used equitably by all users.