Architecture without barriers: designing inclusive environments accessible to all

In Canada, studies show there are changing demographics increasing the population, the disability rate, and the aging population. This significantly impacts people and their interactions within the built environment. Currently, there are many buildings meeting minimum accessibility standards, though they continuously create poorly designed and inaccessible buildings to all. Thus, integrating Inclusive Design (ID) allows for full participation within society. This prevents discrimination and stigmatization. ID is an intervention respecting differences, associated with gender, race, religion, as well as age and ability, by accommodating diverse needs of various groups of people. This approach incorporates three design strategies, including visual, nonvisual, and social aspects enhancing the concept of ID. They are accessible experience while traversing in architecture as communication, responsive and adaptable environment through multi-sensory experience, and secure architecture for social interaction. As a result, an inclusive environment is created addressing equity and equality, which benefit everyone enhancing self-dignity, independence, and well-being.