Universal Design: A tool for creating equitable spaces after COVID-19  

Universal Design is a philosophy that emerged in the 1960’s to champion the design of inclusive products and environments for all, regardless of age, ability, size or background. While Universal Design is often seen as being singularly focused on disability inclusion, the underlying goal was always to create products and environments that were usable to the greatest extent possible by the greatest number of people possible. As the building industry mobilizes its response for post-pandemic design, we must be asking ourselves how we can apply a similar lens of equity to future design solutions.