Universal Design in Multi-Unit Housing

Abstract

When applied to multi-unit or apartment buildings, Universal Design (UD) has the potential to enhance both the physical and psychological environment for a large number of tenants and guests. Combining both public and private spaces, apartment buildings are unique in their design, allowing UD to be more effective in its application. This research project used multiple methods and applied these methods to two existing apartment buildings: one that applied UD, one that did not, in order to explain the way UD effects this environment in practice. This research project shows that when applied effectively, UD can increase the perceived quality of private apartments and reduce architectural stigmas to provide a more accessible and functional environment for all. Although there is still a knowledge barrier to UD’s widespread use, UD has the potential to have an impact on current and future tenants when applied to apartment buildings.