Preiser W., Smith K.H. Universal Design Handbook
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14.6 INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
FIGURE 14.2 By grammar structuring, a clutter of code-compliant accessibility elements is
located outside the entrance of a building. (Photograph digitally manipulated by the author.)
Long description: This is a view of a building entry area that includes the sidewalk, the vehicle
driveway, and pedestrian doors. At the sidewalk level, there is a contrasting colored strip that
leads users to handrails of the four-step stairs of the pedestrian entrance. The handrails are dou-
ble height with 1-ft extensions at each side. The main glazed pedestrian door provides horizontal
handrails as well. On the left side of the stairs, there is a vertical platform lift that takes pedes-
trians to a parallel glazed door at the same entrance, but that is separated from the stair landing
outside by a small garden. The lift contains a sign with the international symbol of accessibility.
On the right side of stairs, there is a vase with tall ornamental vegetation.
accessibility expands to the more holistic aspects of users’ life experiences, more qualitative stud-
ies become necessary. The priority of research funding agencies in Brazil is directed at quantitative
rather than qualitative investigations. Culturally based research on autonomy, personal space, ter-
ritoriality, and user preferences is more prevalent in the foreign literature.
The consequence is that foreign design concepts are assimilated as ready-made solutions
without further analysis and contextualization. Furthermore, the concept of universal design has
been applied only to places where older adults and persons with mobility problems are prevalent.
Designers, who attempt to explore innovative and aesthetically pleasing ideas, often disregard
important aspects of design, such as personal safety and security. This implies that design practi-
tioners tend to place too much emphasis on the technical standards, codes, and legislation, rather
than develop more innovative—poetic—design solutions. Subsequently, their misconceptions about
design for people with disabilities are perpetuated.
14.6 CONCLUSION
The advancements of accessibility in Brazil are concentrated in major urban areas at this time. In
public buildings, street design, or large real estate developments, it is easy to detect design elements
that reflect the formal and material specifications of technical standards. From banks to churches to
NOTES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN BRAZIL 14.7
convention centers, from gas stations to clubs to residential complexes, from schools to shopping
malls, code-compliant accessibility features exhibit the same characteristics.
In summary, the prevailing notion of accessible environments in Brazil is that a limited repertoire
of design features is sufficient. The national standards for accessibility act as a basic catalogue for
acceptable solutions. However, the small number of examples, as well as rare reference to exemplary
works in specific cultural contexts, causes novices to repeat conventional approaches over and over,
without exploring more-diverse and better design methods and solutions. System-oriented scenarios
of social inclusion should result in value-based solutions for user-centered design. That way, best
practices will be based on knowledge about a number of person-environment fit issues and will help
to establish new exemplars of universal design.
A dramatic cultural revolution remains necessary. As a means to promote universality, sustain-
ability, and social justice, professionals, clients, and users alike need to create poetry out of architec-
tural accessibility, rather than persist on a dull monologue with few alternatives.
14.7 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Associação Brasileira de Normal Técnica (ABNT), Normas Técnicas NBR 9050: Accessibility to Buildings,
Equipment and Urban Environment (acessibilidade a edificações, mobiliário, espaços e equipamentos urbanos),
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: ABNT, 2004.
Brasil, Lei 10048, 08 de novembro (Regulation of Priority Setting for Accessibility in Provision of Public
Services), Casa Civil: Presidência da República, 2000a.
FIGURE 14.3 By writing poetry, the entrance becomes universally attractive and socially
inclusive. (Photograph digitally manipulated by the author.)
Long description: This is a night view of a similar building entry area that includes the sidewalk,
the vehicle driveway, and pedestrian doors. At the sidewalk, there is also a contrasting colored strip,
but it leads straight to the glazed doors of the pedestrian entrance. This pedestrian entrance is at the
same level as the sidewalk. On each side of the walkway toward the entrance, there are vases with
tall ornamental vegetation, which mark the edge of this walkway with the sidewalk. In the darkness,
the overhead lighting of the doorway creates a bright area around the landing of this entrance.
14.8 INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
———, Lei 10098, 19 de dezembro (Regulation for a National Plan for Implementation of Accessibility), Casa
Civil: Presidência da República, 2000b.
———, Decreto Federal 5296, 02 de dezembro (Legal Enforcement of Laws 10048 and 10098), Casa Civil:
Presidência da República, 2004.
Brasil/Ministério des Cidades, Plano Diretor Participativo: guia para a elaboração pelos municípios e cidadãos
(Participatory Design in Major City Plan: Guidelines for Development by Citizens and City Administration),
Brasilia: Ministério das Cidades/CONFEA, 2004a.
———, Cadernos Ministério das Cidades, vols. 1 to 8, Brasilia: Ministério das Cidades, 2004b. These are Ministério
das Cidades handbooks, a collection of guidelines related to the national plan for accessibility in Brazil.
Cambiaghi, S., Desenho Universal—Métodos e Técnicas para arquitetos e urbanistas (Universal Design:
Methods and Techniques for Architects and Urban Planners), São Paulo: Serviço Nacional de Aprendizagem
Comercial (National Service for Commercial Apprenticeship), SENAC, 2007.
Colquhoun, A., “Typology and Design Method,” in Essays in Architectural Criticism, Cambridge, Mass.: MIT
Press, 1981, pp. 43–50.
Fernandino, S. F., and C. R. Duarte, Acessibilidade Ambiental: das disposições legais à inclusão espacial das
pessoas com deficiência (Environmental Accessibility: From Legal Requirements to Space Inclusion of People
with Disabilities), Dissertação para o Mestrado em Arquitetura, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 2004.
Goldsmith, S., and J. Dezart, Universal Design: A Manual of Practical Guidance for Architects, Oxford, United
Kingdom: Architectural Press, 2000.
Guimarães, M. P., “Universal Design Evaluation in Brazil: Development of Rating Scales,” in Universal Design
Handbook, 1st ed., W. F. E. Preiser and E. Ostroff (eds.), New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001, pp. 57.1–57.21.
———,, “Uma Abordade Holística na Prática do Design Universal” (“A Holistic Approach in Universal
Design Practice”), in Avanços e Desafios na Construção de uma sociedade inclusiva, R. M. Correa (ed.), Belo
Horizonte: Sociedade Inclusiva/PucMinas, 2008a, pp. 88–104.
———, “Desenho universal é design universal: conceito ainda a ser seguido pelas Normas Técnicas NBR 9050
e pelo Decreto-Lei da Acessibilidade Portal Vitruvius/Arquitexto: Maio, 2008b. Desenho universal is univer-
sal design: both NBR 9050 standards and the federal ordinance of accessibility still need to comply with this
concept.
———, “O Ensino de Design Universal nas Universidades” (“Universal Design Instruction in Universities”) in
Desenho Universal: Caminhos da Acessibilidade no Brasil, M. E. Lopes, S. Ornstein, and A. Prado (eds.), São
Paulo: Annablume Editora e Comunicação Ltda, 2010, pp. 1–15.
Lawrence, R. J., “Structuralist Theories in Environment-Behavior-Design Research: Applications for Analyses
of People and the Built Environment,” in Advances in Environment, Behavior, and Design, vol. 2, E. H. Zube
and G. T. Moore (eds.), New York: Plenum, 1989, pp. 37–70.
Preiser, W. F. E., and E. Ostroff (eds.), “Preface,” in Universal Design Handbook, 1st ed., New York: McGraw-
Hill, 2001, p. xvii.
Rains, S., “Culture in the Further Development of Universal Design,” in Weaving Disabilities and Cultures,
C. Li (ed.), www.uigarden.net, July 2008.
Rapoport, A., The Meaning of the Built Environment: A Nonverbal Communication Approach, Beverly Hills:
Sage Publications, 1982.
Ritzer, G., The McDonaldization of Society, Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Pine Forge Press, 2000.
Rowe, P., Design Thinking, Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 1987.
Tesar, P., “The Other Side of Types,” in The Type and the (Im)possibilities of Convention: Midgård Monographs of
Architectural Theory and Criticism, vol. 2, Garth Rockcastle (ed.), Minneapolis, Minn.: College of Architecture
and Landscape Architecture and New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 1991, pp. 165–175.
14.8 RESOURCES
Fundamental studies about structuralism in anthropology and linguistics: C. Levi-Strauss, Structural Anthropology,
New York: Penguin Press, 1968; F. Saussure, Course in General Linguistics, London: Duckworth, 1983 (1916/
transl. Roy Harris).
Website of “Acessibilidade Brasil,” an institute that provides information in Portuguese about general accessibil-
ity issues in Brazil, http://www.acessobrasil.org.br/index.php.
NOTES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN BRAZIL 14.9
Website of Laboratório ADAPTSE at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG (Federal University of
Minas Gerais) in Brazil, which contains some articles written by the author of this chapter, http://www.adaptse.
org; http://www.acessobrasil.org.br/index.php.
Website of Ministério das Cidades (Federal Department for City Development) in Brazil, which contains the
Brazilian national plan for government control of accessibility implementation, http://www.adaptse.org.
Website of “Sistema Nacional de Informações sobre Deficiência—SICORDE” in Brazil, which contains PDF
illustrated copies in Portuguese for free download of the Brazilian national standards of accessibility and related
legislation, http://www.mpdft.gov.br/sicorde/; http://www.cidades.gov.br.
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CHAPTER 15
ACCESSIBLE DESIGN IN ITALY
Assunta D’Innocenzo and Annalisa Morini
15.1 INTRODUCTION
Because of the lack of public space that is required for new development, and the desire to retain many
of the cultural and historical sites that still exist, Italy is currently focusing on the renovation of exist-
ing buildings. The inclusion of accessibility in the planning stages of renovation is the challenge.
The primary aim of this chapter is to describe how accessibility is studied, regulated, and applied
in Italy, emphasizing work on residential buildings and outdoor environments. This chapter focuses on
accessibility in renovation, and because of the inherent complexity involved, the chapter will cover
1. Laws and technical requirements, showing the evolution of the accessibility concept
2. Renewal programs for residential buildings
3. Outdoor environments and mobility
The evolving concept of “integration” has led to a substantial change in the definition of accessibility
in Italy, as in many other industrialized countries. Today in Italy, accessibility (accessibilità) means
design for all or universal design, but unlike in the United States, it is applied to the built environ-
ment, and not to products.
∗
15.2 LAWS AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Italian laws on accessibility were first initiated at the end of the 1960s, but applied to only specific
structures rather than in general. Revisions to the initial laws that enhanced implementation occurred
over 25 years later with the introduction of Law 13 (1989), regulating the accessibility and adapt-
ability of private and public housing, including exterior environments. It was applied to both new
construction and renovation and was followed by DPR 503.1996, which revised all the previous
regulations on the removal of architectural barriers in buildings, open spaces, and public services.
Since 1997, administrative procedures concerning renovation of existing buildings have been
simplified, and they included specifications for installing lifts and lift platforms, as well as an
increase in the width of main entrances and hallways. Law 449/1997, Article 1, (in force until 2010)
introduced tax incentives for work that eliminated architectural barriers and replaced outdated heat-
ing and electrical systems. Regions integrated these national laws at the same time, thus broadening
support for increased accessibility. Law 328 (2000) improved the accessibility and safety conditions
15.1
∗
Note that while design for all is the term currently used in Europe and universal design is more commonly used in the United
States, currently in Italy, as well as in parts of Europe, the term accessibility is frequently used.
15.2 INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
of homes for people with disabilities, and it created the framework for an integrated system of social
services.
Three levels of accessibility were introduced in 1989 and then reinforced in 1996:
1. Total accessibility: People with reduced motor or sensory abilities shall have an accessible route
leading to and into a building, shall have equal access within a building including access to all
common areas, and shall be able to safely use spaces and equipment as independently as possible,
and to the best of their ability.
2. Visitability, or partial accessibility: People with reduced abilities shall have access to the primary
spaces in a building, and they shall include no less than one accessible toilet.
3. Adaptability, or deferred accessibility: The built environment can be easily modified, so that it
could become usable by people with reduced abilities.
In addition, the design of new and renovated buildings must include technical drawings that
show the potential levels of accessibility related to the structures of buildings, heating and electri-
cal systems, common spaces, fittings, and finishes. Designers and architects can suggest alternative
solutions that meet or exceed existing specifications. If approved by a specific commission, designs
can be used not only in a particular project, but also in other future projects, thereby updating and
improving the codified legal requirements.
15.3 CASE STUDIES: REHABILITATING RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
The design and construction of new housing or the renovation of any house, building, or entire resi-
dential area must follow the same established laws and technical requirements. The Bagnacavallo
Housing Project and the Pinerolo Project are the selected case studies presented in this chapter. The
success and failure of each will be discussed.
Bagnacavallo, “Il Giardino dei Semplici” Housing Project
Located in the historical center of Bagnacavallo, a small municipality in northern Italy, the complex
“II Giardino dei Semplici” consists of four deteriorated buildings. One building dates back to the
eighteenth century, and it is considered a noble and valuable building that features vaulted fresco
wooden ceilings, stucco, and furniture of exquisite workmanship. It is located in a green area of
the Botanical Gardens (Missiroli, 2004). The project consists of 27 dwellings, including 22 fully
accessible units for older adults and people with disabilities and 5 conventional units for unem-
ployed workers.
The housing cooperative supervised the project, the region financed both the construction and
necessary equipment, and the municipality arranged communication among the different partici-
pants. The project players included a team of doctors who provided health services as well as the
social cooperative that supervised the management of public spaces and assistance services (see
Figs. 15.1 and 15.2).
The housing complex includes a security room equipped with a tele-aid station, meeting rooms,
therapeutic rooms, and health services. A botanical garden completes the complex. All the services
offered are available to both residents and the neighborhood. Special services such as laundry or
personal care are available on demand and at an additional cost. Dwellings are equipped with smart
systems, such as intercoms, gas and smoke alarms, automatic power shutoff, and emergency light-
ing. In addition, all dwellings have preset automated systems that control windows, shutters and
curtains, internal doors, antitheft devices, and air conditioning systems (see Fig. 15.3). To meet the
requirements of people with visual impairments, special attention was paid to the selection of floor
and color finishes in all rooms as well as to internal and exterior lighting.
ACCESSIBLE DESIGN IN ITALY 15.3
FIGURE 15.1 The recent renovation of a residential complex in the small city of Bagnacavallo,
northern Italy, was focused on the improvement of accessibility and energy efficiency. The proj-
ect included the main historical building and two new buildings.
Long description: This is the façade with the accessible entrance of the main renovated three-
story residential building. The accessible entrance is made possible by a continuous and slightly
sloped ramp, even though it is not equipped with handrails.
FIGURE 15.2 The apartments in the two-story residential building renovation project in
Bagnacavallo, Italy, face an inner courtyard.
Long description: The two-story residential building faces a courtyard, which is partly covered
by a wooden roof. On the ground floor, windows are equipped with sliding shutters, which
ensure easier access to the outdoor environment.
15.4 INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
The Pinerolo Project
Pinerolo is a small municipality close to Turin. This project included a complex of completely dete-
riorated residential buildings of the late 1950, and a former slaughterhouse. The residential buildings
that were occupied almost entirely by older people had no heating system or elevators, and there were
accessibility barriers throughout. The goal of the renovation was to improve the quality of the existing
buildings and meet the requirements for accessibility, comfort, and safety. New dwellings were added
to improve social integration and enhance amenities.
The major renovation of 68 existing dwellings included the removal of architectural barriers, the
addition of elevators, and the installation of heating and ventilation (see Fig. 15.4).
A new residential area consisting of two buildings around a central square was constructed. The
first building consisted of 34 dwellings—with units on the ground floor for the elderly and dwellings
on the upper floor for young couples (see Fig. 15.5).
The new dwellings for older people included smart technologies for gas, water, fire alarms, and
telecommunication systems and were linked to an internal control center. Common rooms and out-
door spaces were designed to encourage the formation of new friendships (see Fig. 15.6).
The second building was designed for mixed use, including a communal space for the elderly,
commercial spaces and studios, and 25 private dwellings. The environmental quality of the pedestrian
routes, gardens, and access from the neighborhood to the city was improved through modifications to
accessibility, usability, safety, and security.
The project was completed in 2006. Unfortunately, not all the initial goals were realized, because of
the limitations of the existing buildings as well as the fact that renovations occurred while inhabitants
FIGURE 15.3 The renovation project in Bagnacavallo included the removal of old windows,
which were replaced by motorized windows and shutters, to be easily operated by the residents.
Long description: The figure shows the detail of one of the new windows of the renovation,
which is equipped with motorized shutters. Motorized controls were chosen to maintain the
dimensions and character of the original windows, while enabling easy operation of the large,
heavy windows.
ACCESSIBLE DESIGN IN ITALY 15.5
remained in their homes.
∗
The floors of the apartment entries were not wide enough to access the lift,
so the new lifts stop at the wider midlevels of each floor. This requires that the user take the stairs to
go up or down a half flight.
FIGURE 15.4 The renovation project of a deteriorated neigh-
borhood of the 1960s in the small city of Pinerolo, northern Italy,
provided for better energy efficiency and accessibility in the four-
story buildings with a large number of older adults. Further, a stair
lift was installed near the entrance to allow accessibility to and
usability of the first-floor apartments.
Long description: The image shows the addition of a lift as part
of the renovation project of a deteriorated public housing neigh-
borhood that was built in the late 1960s. Many older people live
there. The lift was attached to the façade, and it stops between
floors. The project was carried out while residents continued to
live there.
∗
In Italy, interventions on existing buildings must be carried out with the constraint of residents remaining inside their
homes. This is due both to the attachment of residents to their homes and to the difficulty of finding satisfactory temporary
accommodations.