The project team, consisting of the Faculty staff composed of Dr hab. Lidia Mierzejewska, AMU Prof. (project manager), Dr hab. Magdalena Wdowicka, AMU Prof., Dr BEng in architecture Kamila Sikorska-Podyma and Paulina Perkowska, developed an innovative project application entitled: ‘Universal Design: An innovative approach to creating space accessible to everyone’, which was recognized by the National Center for Research and Development. The relevant contract for the implementation of the project was signed by the National Center for Research and Development on 24th April this year.
The main goal of the project is to develop and implement core classes, including universal design, as part of the study program. The project will cover primarily the second-year students who in the coming academic year 2020/2021 will be studying at the Department of Spatial Planning and Urban Design (both undergraduate and engineering studies), but also academic teachers for whom various types of training are planned, aimed at raising their didactic competence in universal design. It is worth noting that, as part of the sustainability of the project, in the following years the content of universal design education will permanently enter the program of spatial management.
The essence of the project, however, is the creation of an Innovative Universal Design Center, whose main elements are: (1) an external obstacle course for wheelchairs, (2) an internal obstacle course for wheelchairs and (3) specialized equipment (old age simulator, drone, VR goggles, wheelchairs, prams, laptops, tablets, elbow crutches, etc.). The Center will be conducting simulations of various types of disabilities and mobility restrictions, aimed at sensitizing students to the needs of all space users and equipping them with appropriate knowledge and design competences in this respect.