In the pursuit of inclusion and equality for people with disabilities, conceptual design was developed in accordance with universal design principles. Universal design creates products, environments, and services accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of ability, age, or other characteristics. Therefore, universal design promotes an environment free from discrimination. This design is based on seven guiding principles: equitable use - ensuring accessibility for all users regardless of ability; flexibility in use - allowing for intuitive use of products and services in various environments; simple and intuitive – effectively conveying necessary information to users under diverse conditions and sensory capabilities; error tolerance – minimizing the risks and negative consequences of accidental actions; efficient and comfortable use – allowing for comfortable and efortless use of products and services; appropriate size and space – providing adequate size and space for access, manipulation, and use regardless of user size, posture, or mobility.
Given the specialized services this center will offer to individuals with disabilities, the guiding principles have been adapted for the building’s intended use. The authors have thoroughly identified the target groups, resulting in the following categories: people with partial or complete vision impairment, people with partial or complete hearing impairment, people with mobility limitations, people with dyslexia, dyscgraphia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia, people with ADHD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, people with Down syndrome, and autistic individuals. After identifying and analyzing the seven principles of universal design, the authors adapted and refined them into five principles for designing spaces accessible to people with disabilities.
The core principles included intuitive spatial design, optimizing hallway widths, creating clear visual pathways, and ensuring easy navigation; the use of tactile surfaces and spatial indicators, such as varied flooring, to enhance sensory experience; adaptable spaces to accommodate diverse needs, with user involvement in the design process; functional zoning for improved orientation; and acoustic design that supports openness, visual flow, and flexible seating arrangements, while also providing appropriate sound isolation.