5 Differences between barrier-free and universal design

There are various people in society who live together, such as the elderly, the disabled, and those raising children. People's abilities and individuality are different from each other, and there is no one in all. In addition, abilities and individuality change due to changes in age and environment.

Universal design is a combination of two words, "universal (all, universal)" and "design (plan, design)". "In advance, regardless of disability, age, gender, race, etc. The concept of designing cities and living environments so that diverse people can use it (from the Basic Plan for Persons with Disabilities [December 24, 2002] Cabinet decision) ". It was proposed in 1985 by Ronald Mace, an American architect and industrial designer.
In March 2008, the government formulated the "Barrier-Free Universal Design Promotion Guidelines". This outline first focuses on persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women and people with children, etc., and removes barriers in social life and does not create new barriers ("universal design"), along with the concept ("barrier-free"), it is necessary to create a design that is easy for anyone to use for facilities and products so that new barriers do not occur, and it is necessary to promote both.

The philosophy of the welfare town development ordinance promoted by Yokohama City is also based on the concept of universal design. It is required that society as a whole promote barrier-free and universal design initiatives so that everyone can live in the city.

◆Universal design
The concept of designing a city or living environment in advance so that a variety of people can use it, regardless of disability, age, gender, race, etc.

◆Barrier-free
Remove barriers (barriers) for the elderly and the disabled in social life (free). The idea of removing all barriers, such as physical, social, institutional, psychological, and information barriers.