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Universal Design for the Built Environment
Universal Design (UD), in its broadest term, refers to “design for everyone”. It seeks to create a built environment that adequately addresses the usage needs of people in all age groups and abilities, including temporary disability.
This move towards universal design has developed as our population with varying degrees of abilities and advancing years increase, and their demands for recognition and desire for independent living rise.
To address these needs, BCA launched a “Universal Design guidelines (commercial buildings)” in September 2006. These guidelines deal with the various UD provisions with an emphasis on commercial buildings.
BCA also initiated the inaugural Universal Design Award in early 2007 to recognise good practices and special efforts taken by building owners and consultants in implementing UD features over and beyond the mandatory requirements specified in the Code on Barrier-Free Accessibility. A total of sixteen awards were given to deserving projects since the inception of the Awards.
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