Universal design
Universal design (universell utforming) is the principle that buildings, outdoor areas and digital services should be usable by as many people as possible, on equal terms, without the need for special adaptation. The main solutions must work for people with different types of impairment, whether permanent or temporary. The requirement covers both the layout and conditions such as sound, light and indoor environment.
The duty follows from plan- og bygningsloven § 29-3 (the Planning and Building Act, requirements for universal design of buildings) and likestillings- og diskrimineringsloven (the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act) § 17 (universal design of the physical solutions used by businesses) and § 18 (universal design of ICT). For buildings, the rules are set out in detail in byggteknisk forskrift TEK17 chapter 12 (the building technical regulations), managed by Direktoratet for byggkvalitet (the Norwegian Building Authority). The requirements differ by building type:
- Buildings open to the public and workplace buildings must meet the full universal design requirement.
- Residential buildings with three storeys or more must have a lift and must provide an "accessible dwelling unit".
- Detached houses and small houses fall outside the lift regime and need step-free access where this is practically possible.
The individual technical requirements are specific: step-free access, a door width of at least 0.9 m, turning circles of 1.5 m for a wheelchair, tactile marking, contrasting colours with a light reflectance value above 0.4, an induction loop or induction system in assembly rooms, and a minimum lift size of 1.1 × 2.1 m. Recommended solutions are set out in the Norwegian Standard NS 11001. Bufdir (the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs) is the specialist directorate for universal design.
For digital services, Uutilsynet (the Norwegian Authority for Universal Design of ICT) enforces the regulations on universal design of ICT solutions. Since 2023, websites, self-service machines and apps must meet WCAG 2.1 level AA.
Universal design is broader than wheelchair accessibility. Vision, hearing and cognition matter just as much as motor function. It also differs from individual adaptation: universal design applies to the main solution, while adaptation is the extra work done for one specific person when the main solution is not enough. A breach of § 17 or § 18 can lead to a discrimination complaint to Diskrimineringsnemnda (the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal).
In Placepoint, the number of storeys, the year of construction and the use units of the building are shown in the building panel, which is a natural starting point when you assess which requirements apply to an existing building.
How this looks in Placepoint
In Placepoint, you find this in the building panel:
From Placepoint's dictionary: Universal design
More information: Lovdata: Likestillings- og diskrimineringsloven, DiBK: TEK17 chapter 12, Bufdir: Universell utforming, Store norske leksikon: universell utforming
English: Universal design (design for universal accessibility, per plan- og bygningsloven).
Frequently asked questions
What is universal design?
Universal design means that buildings and outdoor environments must be accessible and usable for everyone, regardless of ability. It is a statutory requirement under TEK17 for most new buildings.
When do universal design requirements apply?
TEK17 sets universal design requirements for buildings open to the public, workplace buildings, and both shared areas and outdoor areas in residential buildings. Dwellings must meet accessibility requirements, but at a somewhat lower level than public buildings.
Which requirements apply to universal design in buildings?
The requirements include step-free access, correct door openings, accessible lifts, toilet facilities, lighting and acoustics. The requirements vary with the building type and its use.
Is universal design the same as wheelchair accessibility?
No, universal design is broader than wheelchair accessibility alone. It covers vision, hearing, cognition and all forms of reduced ability, whether permanent or temporary.
What is the legal basis for universal design?
Universal design follows from likestillings- og diskrimineringsloven and plan- og bygningsloven. TEK17 and byggteknisk forskrift set out the technical requirements in detail.