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Browsing BI Theses by Subject "Accessibility"
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Item Restricted Design Inclusivity and Bridging an Educational Gap for Visually Impaired Children(2022) Temitope Kamara; Ewers, Felix; Schroeder, Süheyla; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAUTHOR-SUPPLIED ABSTRACT: Abstract: The creation of products for all backgrounds and abilities, which are assistive, easy, usable, and understandable by and for everyone, is called inclusive design. Inclusive design can help to create an egalitarian and accessible society because it plays a major role in enhancing accessibility, ease, the sense of oneness, and togetherness. Accessibility consists of the removal of present obstacles, whereas inclusive design consists of the creation of solutions from the beginning, which are perfectly tailored to the needs of several profiles of people: a person with reduced mobility for whom it'll be easier to use an elevator in a shopping mall or a person with a visual impairment who needs contrasted signage in a subway station for their getting around in complete autonomy, for example. Designers and companies must understand, consider, and integrate into their thought and design process all manners of persons and their abilities, by enabling inclusivity to create accessibility. Designing for everybody is what great communicators and innovators need to be able to implement to shape society into an equity-oriented society. Designers have the power to include or exclude target groups. To include target audiences that have problems with connecting to society, designers and companies have to understand the needs of their possible customers and should influence them into as many projects as possible, therefore certain elements need to be understood. Only by understanding the process behind inclusive designing is it possible to create successful projects that include every individual. Keywords: inclusive design, accessibility, egalitarian society, usability, inclusivity, target groups, designers, equity-oriented society, understanding needs, successful projectsItem Restricted Designing for Life : Interior That Nurtures the Way of Aging(2023) Inga-Lena Wagner; Escobar, Pierre; Goodwin, Amara; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAUTHOR-SUPPLIED ABSTRACT: Abstract: Designing for Life: Interior that Nurtures Aging addresses the principles of interior design for an aging population. Understanding their challenges is critical to maintaining quality of life and independence. This research focuses on people aged 60 and older and considers their varying abilities, health conditions, and preferences. Indoor spaces can create inclusive environments by incorporating accessibility, safety, and social interaction. Natural light, green spaces, and adaptable designs promote seniors' health and well-being. Cultural and individual preferences are also respected. It is critical to fully understand the needs of the aging population to create environments that support aging with dignity by examining how factors such as lighting, color, acoustics, and ergonomics influence to creation of supportive and inclusive interior spaces. In this paper, we examine current living spaces and analyze design methods. This includes studies, surveys of older people's preferences, reviews of existing literature, and consideration of future population projections. The findings underscore the importance of active research on housing for older people, community living, and the role of interior design. Research the design principles required to create interior spaces that meet the needs of an aging population. By incorporating research-based knowledge into the design process, interior designers can enhance the quality of their work, improve the user experience, and contribute to advancing the fieldItem Restricted The Bus Took the Wrong Turn : Empowering Karlstad Public Bus Transportation to Provide Supportive Communication Strategies Between Bus Drivers and Passengers With Early Stages of Alzheimer's Disease, Utilizing Visual and Communication Design(2023) Malin Manivone Mossberg; Goodwin, Amara; Rieß, Henrik; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: The increasing aging population and rising prevalence of Alzheimer's disease present unique challenges for public transportation, particularly in maintaining accessibility and inclusivity for these vulnerable groups. This thesis focuses on the public bus transportation system in Karlstad, Sweden, to explore how visual and communication design can facilitate better interactions between bus drivers and passengers in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Drawing on interviews, current practices, and literature, the research aims to develop an inclusive design approach that addresses not only the specific needs of individuals with Alzheimer's but also those with other health conditions or even children. The broader objective is to enhance the quality of life for older adults by reducing social isolation and promoting community engagement, thus contributing to more equitable and compassionate public transportation systems. Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Public Transportation, Inclusive Design, Karlstad, Social Isolation, Accessibility, Communication Design, Elderly Population, Community Engagement, Visual DesignItem Restricted The Development of Interior Architecture in Multigenerational Housing(2023) Manila Defendi; Buß, Tina; Ebert, Carola; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: Multigenerational living, once a common practice, is experiencing a resurgence for various reasons, including economic factors and space constraints. While such living arrangements have their merits, they also present unique challenges that can be mitigated through thoughtful interior architecture and design. This thesis explores the role of interior architecture in facilitating successful multigenerational households. It considers how design can address issues such as noise, chaos, and the differing needs of multiple generations living under one roof. Through an in-depth study, the thesis aims to offer design strategies and architectural techniques that can make multigenerational living more functional, private, and communal, thereby providing a sustainable solution to contemporary housing challenges. Keywords: Multigenerational Living, Interior Architecture, Housing Challenges, Design Strategies, Economic Factors, Space Constraints, Privacy, Accessibility, Functionality, Communal SpacesItem Restricted The Importance of Inclusive Architecture for People With Special Needs(2022) Capucine Aurore Bernades; Brünjes, Katrin; Huneck, Karsten; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: The concept of Special Needs encompasses the particular requirements of individuals with illnesses or conditions that make it challenging for them to perform activities like others. While society aims to support these individuals through additional services, the facilities they interact with, such as schools, hospitals, and urban environments, often fail to address their needs adequately. This lack of inclusivity leads to stigmatization, isolation, and worsened symptoms. Inclusive Architecture, derived from Inclusive Design, seeks to prevent the exclusion of any group by creating buildings that cater to the needs of the public. Inclusive Architecture goes beyond accommodating people with disabilities and encompasses factors like acoustics, aesthetics, biophilic design, security, and wayfinding. This thesis explores the challenges and implementation of inclusive architecture in interior architecture and design, focusing on its outcomes and benefits for individuals with special needs. The research objectives involve identifying the challenges faced by individuals with special needs in traditional interior design, understanding the challenges faced by architects and designers in providing suitable solutions, and analyzing existing facilities and designs to raise awareness and emphasize their utility and necessity. The methodology includes sourcing existing specialized products in interior design, assessing their quality and accessibility, and studying successful facilities that embody inclusive architecture. This research targets architects, interior architects, designers, and public authorities involved in the approval of public facility construction. The aim is to emphasize that inclusive architecture for individuals with special needs should be considered, if not mandated, in the requirements specification for any building project. Keywords: Special Needs, inclusive architecture, interior architecture, design, inclusivity, accessibility, acoustics, aesthetics, biophilic design, security, wayfinding, public facilitiesItem Restricted The Role of Graphic Design in Accessibility and Inclusiveness : Designing User Interfaces for Individuals With Adhd(2023) Fiorella Kukuli Bernuy Telleria; Müller, Felix; Rieß, Henrik; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) presents challenges for individuals using modern technology, especially websites and user interfaces, due to difficulties with focus, planning, and impulse control. With a global prevalence of 2.58% to 6.76% among adults, accessibility and inclusivity in design become crucial. This research explores how graphic design principles can enhance digital experiences for individuals with ADHD, creating a more inclusive environment. The study employs semi-structured interviews and case study analyses of the White House and IRS websites, along with literature on ADHD and user interface design. The findings lead to design principles tailored for ADHD users and contribute to a redesign project for the "Berlin Service Portal" government website. Acknowledging limitations, the research aims to improve accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with ADHD. Keywords: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, accessibility, inclusivity, graphic design, user interface design, digital experiences, design principles, semi-structured interviews, case study analysisPublication Restricted Transforming Existing Structures Into Multigenerational Housing(2025) Kuchenbecker, Marieke; Brünjes, Katrin; Interior Architecture/Interior Design (BA); Berlin International University of Applied SciencesMultigenerational households, defined as two or more adult generations sharing a dwelling (Liu and Easthope 2016), are gaining renewed relevance in response to current social, demographic, and spatial challenges. In some contexts, such as the U.S. Census Bureau definition, these households include three or more generations living under one roof (Marquez-Velarde 2020). While multigenerational living is not always motivated by sustainability, it frequently results in lower per capita resource use, offering potential environmental benefits through shared utilities, reduced energy consumption, and spatial efficiency (Klocker, Gibson, and Kerr 2018). Beyond resource sharing, multigenerational housing also addresses rising needs for social cohesion, affordability, and elder care. Yet, most existing dwellings are not designed to accommodate these complex family structures. The built environment remains largely fixed, offering limited adaptability to shifting household dynamics such as care responsibilities, economic constraints, or adult children returning to the family home (Liu and Easthope 2016). Designers and researchers are thus increasingly exploring alternative living models and spatial concepts for multigenerational households, focusing not only on shared living but also on privacy, autonomy, and the ability to adapt over time (Gerards, De Ridder, and De Bleeckere 2015, p. 20). Currently, there is a noticeable shift in living arrangements: the number of one-person households, single-parent families, and seniors living alone is growing, while many existing one-family homes are no longer suitable to accommodate these emerging configurations (Friedman 2012, p. 5). In line with demographic developments, over 94% of individuals aged 60 or older now live independently, with elder care increasingly taking place within the home rather than institutional settings (Schittich and Ebner 2007, p. 145). However, social norms such as Germany’s DIN 18025 and DIN 18040 still fall short in providing adequate guidelines to address these emerging demands (Schittich and Ebner 2007, p. 145). As Schittich and Ebner emphasize, the main challenge lies in “adapting existing housing to needs economically, planning and building new dwellings with particular regard for the later years of life, and, finally, considering residential forms in which young people can live with seniors, or seniors with each other.” (2007, p. 146) One promising approach to address these spatial and demographic shifts is the conversion of existing structures. Converting underutilized or outdated housing stock, rather than constructing new buildings, offers an environmentally and economically realistic solution. It helps reduce urban sprawl, limits overconsumption, and lowers the environmental footprint of residential development (Friedman 2012, p. 5). Existing spaces, such as attics or basement levels, can be reconfigured to support shifting household compositions, such as returning young adults or the integration of live-in caregivers (Friedman 2012, p. 41). Adaptive reuse can also promote social inclusion and housing diversity. Increasing interest in converting abandoned office buildings into residential spaces reflects a broader need for proximity, community, and flexible urban living (Friedman 2012). As multigenerational households continue to evolve, flexibility in floor plans, allowing both shared and separate zones, is essential to support independence and connection across generations. This research aims to explore how existing residential structures can be transformed to support flexible multigenerational housing that meets the evolving needs of diverse family configurations. It seeks to identify spatial concept strategies, particularly in interior layouts, that enable both adaptability and inclusivity over time. Research Question: How can existing structures be transformed to support flexible multigenerational housing that meets the evolving needs of diverse family configurations? To answer the research question, the study uses a qualitative methodology that combines theoretical research with practical case analysis. The focus lies in understanding multigenerational housing through both academic insight and real-world application. In the first phase, academic sources, including books, reports, and peer-reviewed articles, on multigenerational housing, inclusive design principles, and integrated living concepts are analyzed. This literature review establishes a theoretical foundation and identifies key design strategies, challenges, and principles relevant to understanding spatial needs across generations and creating inclusive and adaptable living environments. In the second phase, selected case studies of multigenerational housing projects are examined. These case studies provide real-world examples of how spatial flexibility and inclusive design have been implemented in practice. The analysis aims to identify transferable concepts that could inform the adaptation and conversion of existing buildings into flexible multigenerational dwellings.