What is DfA

Design for All is a methodological approach to design of spaces, products and services that aim at social inclusion, equity and equal rights.

Design for All is based on the importance of involving diverse stakeholders in the design process, such as specialists, administrators, and end users, along with the pursuit of value adding aesthetic solutions.

Barrier-free Architecture, Accessibility and Design for All are different concepts, each of which offers a different approach to the project.

Our goal in this discipline is to transcend the concept of accessibility, which is defined as the absence of barriers, and create solutions (spatial, educational, and communicative) for All.

Removal of architectural barriers

Accessibility

Design for All

User typology

Individual with disability

Persons with disabilities

“All” people with or without disabilities

Goals

Adjustments
To make the necessary changes to adapt certain spaces to meet the mobility needs of an individual.

Integration
To ensure access to key functions by identifying barrier-free pathways or installing devices for certain categories of users.

Inclusion
Creating spaces that are accessible and user-friendly for everyone, without any restrictions or distinctions based on their level of use or user’s category.

Key aspects to be considered

Specific needs
of an individual with a disability.

Extended needs
for different categories of users with disabilities.

Needs, expectations, wishes
of All: people with and without disabilities.

Rules and regulations standpoint

Rules and regulations are guidelines
The objective is to carry out a minimum number of interventions in accordance with the law to overcome physical barriers.

Rules and regulations must be complied with
The goal is to meet the minimum legal requirements to build without barriers.

The goal is to go beyond the minimum legal requirements and increase accessibility to build for everyone.

Workflow

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Specialists and professionals
Architects come up with solutions which are later endorsed by decision-makers based on a vertical design model. The end user is not called upon to express himself during the various stages of development.

Participatory, multidisciplinary
Architects, decision-makers, and end users work together in a horizontal design model.
Structured and organized participation occurs during key moments in the development process.

Expected Results

Adapted spaces
The use of a space or its parts is enabled, but only for essential purposes.

Accessible spaces
The use of a space, service or product is guaranteed by access to its main functions, integrated in context.

Inclusive spaces
The focus is on user-friendliness, which means that a space, service, or product can be used in a comprehensive way.