In the IDU, all applied Studies and consultancies activities will acknowledge that the user’s attitudes/perceptions about and behavioral performance of specific tasks commonly associated with successful use of the building feature will be dependent upon the building feature’s environmental demands/ press relative to that individual’s functional capabilities/competence. The Principles of Universal Design are incorporated as a new dimension defining the environmental demands of the design attributes that insure a coping relationship between the environment and its users.
Thus, the IDU team will endorse inclusion in an extensive complement of activities:
- growing design and development practices
- creating assessment tools that others can use and contribute to
- teaching the principles and techniques of inclusive and green design
- advocating for and incorporating inclusion in local and regional building standards
- providing services that match solutions with individuals
These activities will be integrated into two packs of services provided by the IDU; 1- The Consultancy services, and 2- Design Innovation.
Design Consultancy
THE INCLUSIVE DESIGN UNIT will offer a variety of consultancy services, supported by a sound academic evidence base, in-situ investigations and constant professional and academic development in inclusive design. Our consultancy will thus profit from our thorough knowledge of the most up-to-date worldwide legislation, best practice and innovative thinking in inclusive design and green practice.
Design Innovation
THE INCLUSIVE DESIGN UNIT will require ongoing support of major Saudi Arabian universities and government and non-governmental agencies and industries for undertaking design process and training to develop inclusive and green settings that cope with the GCC's physical and socio-cultural constraints.
The Applied Studies will bring together experts in 'real world' and laboratory-based research. This inventive, multi-disciplinary process will help to explore the relationship between the technical and social aspects of the built environment and the impact it has on human psychology, behavior and biomechanics.
Design and Consultation Process
As shown in the following figure, the IDU team adopts integrated procedural processes to ensure positive results consistent with the vision, mission and goals of the unit:
