Browsing by Subject "Inclusive Design"
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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 projectsPublication Restricted MULTISENSORY DESIGN FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED CHILDREN IN PRIMARY SCHOOL(2025) THOMAS, ANZU ELSA; Martin, Javier; Interior Design (MA) (Two-Year); Berlin International University of Applied SciencesThis thesis explores how incorporating varied design aspects into architecture might enhance inclusivity and effectiveness for visually impaired (VI) students. Inclusive education law has been strengthened; however, the design aspect is not given much priority. This is because it remains mostly visual stimulus-oriented, with no regard to the spatial, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and thermal requirements of those who are not visual learners. The research employs a multimodal design framework that comprises six main concepts, including environmental creation, auditory, olfactory and thermal guidance, modulation of lighting and visual contrast, tactile interaction, and the formation of sensory zones. The principles were developed through literature review, interdisciplinary theory, and a close reading of environmental psychology, spatial cognition, and universal design. Hazelwood School in Scotland, School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Children in India, and the Centre for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Mexico are analysed based on the findings. These are examples of how thoughtful sensory integration, such as textured floor signs, acoustic aware circulation, scent markers, and shifting lighting, can transform classrooms from visually reliant spaces to spaces that encourage movement, interaction, and autonomous decision-making. This thesis contributes to universal design and enhanced sensory-informed learning architecture literature by calling for a transition from compliance to accessibility standards to general, multimodal inclusion.Item 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 Effect of Spatial Organization and Aspects of Interior Architecture in Educational Facilities for Children With Autism(2023) Annahita Shakeri Nejad; Fowler, Gabriele; Köknar, Sait Ali; Faculty of Architecture and Design; Berlin International University of Applied SciencesAI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) significantly impacts a child's interaction with their environment, especially within educational settings where design often overlooks the unique sensory sensitivities of these children. This thesis seeks to bridge the gap between interior architecture in educational facilities and the distinct perceptual needs of autistic children. By delving into the core characteristics of autism, especially sensory difficulties, and analyzing existing design approaches in special educational facilities, this research aims to unveil design strategies that foster a conducive learning environment for children with autism. Drawing inspiration from Donna Williams' insights on ideal educational settings for autistic individuals, this work underscores the importance of a meticulously crafted spatial organization that minimizes sensory distractions, thereby nurturing a stress-free, supportive learning ambiance. Through a comparative analysis of different case studies on learning facilities tailored for autistic individuals, this thesis endeavors to contribute a well-rounded perspective on designing educational spaces that resonate with the sensory and perceptual needs of children with autism, ultimately fostering a more inclusive, empathetic approach to interior architectural design in educational facilities. Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Interior Architecture, Educational Facilities, Sensory Sensitivities, Spatial Organization, Design Strategies, Inclusive Design, Perceptual Needs, Special Education, Learning EnvironmentPublication 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.