UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN NORTH MACEDONIA: MODEL FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Erda BESIMI, Fjolla SAITI, Hafije MURATI

Abstract

Universal design and accessibility have become essential concepts in architecture that aim to provide inclusive and equitable access to spaces and environments for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. With a growing understanding of the benefits of accessibility in design, many architectural schools are incorporating courses and programs focused on universal design and accessibility to train the next generation of architects. The paper analyses the study programs of the Universities in the Republic of North Macedonia, emphasizing the need to open the debate for incorporating universal design and accessibility principles into the educational program. It then develops models that can be incorporated into study programs in these institutions. To increase awareness and a sense of responsibility in upcoming generations of architects, who are primarily responsible for determining the environment in which we live, these educational models place equal emphasis on the human aspect of universal design and accessibility as well as the predetermined regulatory and legal aspects of these topics. As a result, universal design and accessibility are being increasingly recognized as essential elements of modern architecture, and architectural schools are reacting by providing more thorough instruction in these fields.

Pages: 71 - 75