Universal design in the architectural practice

Supervisor: Margrethe Dobloug

Duration: 2006-2011

The project aims to explicate the process of architectural practice in light of the growing demands of universal design in society. Thus, we want to explore the dynamics of the architect’s interface between demands on a building’s function and design on the one hand, and the new Norwegian laws of accessibility on the other.

By using qualitative methods like observation, interviews, and document analysis, the project will investigate the choices, attitudes, preconceptions, dilemmas, and perceived possibilities and challenges of the architect during the process of implementing accessibility laws in design of public cultural buildings.

The underlying purpose of the study is twofold: Enable authorities and architects alike to identify the problems during the implementation of universal design, as well as to generate new hypotheses for future research in this novel field of science.