Universal Design in Interior Architecture Education: The Case of Store Design

Abstract

Universal design is a user-focused designing approach that involvescultural, physical, mental and dimensional aspects and takes intoaccount the needs of different personal characteristics. This study willanalyze the resolutions for different personal characteristics in thedesign qualities of an apparel store designed by interior architecturestudents and then utilize the results to make suggestions for curriculumstudies in which universal design embedded continuously. In terms ofthe different user characteristics, the study participants mainly focusedon physical and visual disabilities, as well as older people and familieswith children. According to the participants, the most important issuesto be attentive to when making interior space resolutions includedreaching the shelves, disabled access ramps at the entrance, size of thecirculation area, accessibility of the cashier counter, and size of thechanging rooms. Another important issue related to the store design isaesthetic appeal. Serving as an indication of their concern for thecommercial success of the store, the participants offered suggestionsabout the window display and the aesthetic quality of the store.