Universal Design, a Methodological Approach

The Central Theme of this publication is the accessibility and usability of built environments for a great diversity of people, in a great diversity of circumstances, and throughout all phases of life. Human Functional limitations must be endured not only by a (stigmatized) group of 'disabled persons,' but are inherent to, and dynamically connected with, the course of life and aging for everyone. The intrinsic capabilities of a person are not the only cause of barriers, but extrinsic factors in an obstructive human-made environment also play a role. In the academic and professional field, this shift in the social perception of 'disability' (person-related) to 'disability situation' (environment-related), is gradually moving from 'designing for disabled persons' (Design for Special Needs) to 'integral and inclusive designing for everyone' (Universal Design) Froyen Has taught architecture in Belgium since 1973. He was appointed professor at the Department of Architecture, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek in 1996 and emeritus professor in 2012. Professor Froyen studied architecture in Belgium and in the United States where he studied with Christopher Alexander and earned a Master of Architecture degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 1979. He did research in the netherlands with John Habraken on his housing systems and also studied architecture in Hasselt University and architecture and anthropology at the University of Leuven.