Accessibility of Built Environment (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

Introduction to accessible design and legislation Basic information about accessibility and measurements Accessibility in apartments, public buildings and exteriors Accessibility provided by building services Information about limitations of human functions Building project and accessible design Final seminar

Objective

The students will learn to analyse built environment and its operating constraints. The students know the demands and the relevant legislation which the disabled place on the environment. The students learn to solve environmental problems in traditional and innovative ways. The students are able to apply the principles of the building sector in order to promote accessibility. The students are able to solve construction-related accessibility problems in the design, construction and modification stages.

Content

The built environment, the most common operating constraints. Legislation and guidelines to promote and demand barrier-free environment. Properties and characteristics of an accessible environment. Building Services and DFA. Construction process and construction contract practices and channels of influence. Environmental visions for barrier-free residential environment. Design for all thinking.

Location and time

On Fridays 8.3., 15.3. (contact), 22.3., 5.4., 12.4. and final seminar on 26.4. at 9-16.

Materials

Accessibility Survey of Built Environment (by the Finnish Association of People with Physical Disabilities) Finnish Land Use and Building Act

Teaching methods

Self study Lectures and assignments Peer reviews Seminar

Employer connections

Considered case by case

Exam schedules

Course performance will be evaluated by exercises and activity of student both in lectures and in virtual learning environment (moodle).

International connections

1 credit - 27 hours of student's work

Completion alternatives

No alternative ways

Qualifications

Basic knowledge of building or building design.