The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design: Guidelines for Excellence

We were engaged by the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) on the development of the new Guidelines for Excellence in Universal Design.

 M‑CO engaged in an open stakeholder process and gathered soundings, stories and experiences of people in their homes to shape the content of the Guidelines, unearthing key insights about how good design works for everyone, regardless of ability or age.

From the outset, the project involved desktop research and primary user research, at the same time gathering stories and experiences of people in their homes. Stakeholders included organisations representing people with additional needs, design professionals, the construction industry, and housing agencies and authorities.

The Guidelines complement the revised CEUD/National Disability Authority (NDA) 2012 document Building for Everyone and draw upon:

– Existing research and analysis carried out by CEUD/NDA of key elements of national and international house design guidance and standards.

– Consultation with key stakeholders to inform and influence the provision of more easily adaptable homes, and improve the quality of life for all people through universal design.

Working with PRP Architects, London, and Detail Design, we were proud to be part of CEUD’s mission to help to enable people in Ireland to participate in a society that takes account of human difference, and to interact with their environment to the best of their ability.