Investigation of the Concept of Universal Design as an Egalitarian Space Production Approach in the Case of Dicle University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences

Architecture and design practice is largely shaped by the anthropometric data for the standard user, that is, healthy young adults. Disabled people face problems in most of the spaces which to meet their challenges in so with disabilities and these problems their lives become more difficult. However, in usual life education places are one of the most important structures where the disabled spend the most of time. For disabled people education from the point of an individual is as important as normal people. Therefore, in the study, firstly, a literature review was conducted on the concept of universal design and disability, problems encountered by disabled people and design criteria for disabled people. The Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences in Dicle University Campus Area was examined in order to plan educational structures according to the design criteria for the disabled. In this structure, in order to determine the problems faced by users with visual and physical disabilities more clearly, on-site observations were made and problems related to architectural access, accessibility and usability were identified. Relevant drawings and plans of the faculty were examined. Later, the data obtained were handled in the spatial designs dimension for disabled users. As a result, education structures have been evaluated in accordance with universal design criteria in order to see compliance with universal design criteria for users with disabilities. Spatial design suggestions for the determined faculty are presented with drawings on a scale of 1/50. With the provision of accessibility, accessibility and usability among the criteria that should be in the buildings, disabled users will be able to contribute more to the national economy and scientific development.