Jindal, Nidhi
Barrier free paradigm, dissertation - Vol.84(3), March - Mumbai Indian Institute of Architects 2021 - 28-33p.
The aim of the study is to experience the sensitivity of differently abled people. Despite a vast set of rules and regulations
concerning architecture for disabled people, the built environment still lacks functionality and accessibility. Architecture
is often not suitable for handicapped people, whether the impairments are permanent or temporary. Building regulations
focus mainly on wheelchair users as a stereotype disabled person while disregarding other limiting factors to other
fringe groups. The variety of impairments being immense and architecture needing to be useable or adaptable to the
needs of every person, more suitable guidelines than strict and non-flexible building regulations are necessary.
It demonstrates that it is possible to create an accessible built environment at no extra cost through the application
of the inclusive design principles. Furthermore it breaks down the process of building design and examines the limits
and power of all stakeholders to a project. It emphasizes that every person, not exclusively the architect makes a big
difference to a building project.
The dissertation also deals with how this being an emerging topic needs to be focused on in today’s architecture. Some
solutions can be implemented in an already built form and some can be considered prior to designing.
In India out of the 121 Cr population, 2.68 Cr persons are ‘disabled’ which is 2.21% of the total population. Which solely
states the reason to focus on the socially – architecturally – topic.
ARCHITECTURE GENERAL (AR-GEN)
Barrier free paradigm, dissertation - Vol.84(3), March - Mumbai Indian Institute of Architects 2021 - 28-33p.
The aim of the study is to experience the sensitivity of differently abled people. Despite a vast set of rules and regulations
concerning architecture for disabled people, the built environment still lacks functionality and accessibility. Architecture
is often not suitable for handicapped people, whether the impairments are permanent or temporary. Building regulations
focus mainly on wheelchair users as a stereotype disabled person while disregarding other limiting factors to other
fringe groups. The variety of impairments being immense and architecture needing to be useable or adaptable to the
needs of every person, more suitable guidelines than strict and non-flexible building regulations are necessary.
It demonstrates that it is possible to create an accessible built environment at no extra cost through the application
of the inclusive design principles. Furthermore it breaks down the process of building design and examines the limits
and power of all stakeholders to a project. It emphasizes that every person, not exclusively the architect makes a big
difference to a building project.
The dissertation also deals with how this being an emerging topic needs to be focused on in today’s architecture. Some
solutions can be implemented in an already built form and some can be considered prior to designing.
In India out of the 121 Cr population, 2.68 Cr persons are ‘disabled’ which is 2.21% of the total population. Which solely
states the reason to focus on the socially – architecturally – topic.
ARCHITECTURE GENERAL (AR-GEN)