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Call for Universal Design for BuildingsDUBAI, Mar 18, 2010 (Khaleej Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- "We need to change steel and asphalt buildings to human structures," said a leading Arab architect while explaining the necessity to design structures as per the needs of the disabled. Mukhtar Al Shibani, architect with Universal Design and Accessibility, Saudi Arabia, said that engineers and architects are being taught to build according to the needs of people with disabilities. "Degree of severity differs in each disability; therefore, we need to build a universal design that can focus on people from all parts of the society," he told the forum on Monday. Al Shibani said that future cities like Dubai, London and Riyadh must change the pattern of their structures. "We cannot build a successful school or stadium unless it is accessible." He said 16 countries from the region, including the UAE, had ratified the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. "This convention details that accessibility is a basic element in all structures -- be it schools, factories or transportation." "Existing facilities are a big problem and there is a need to change building codes to accommodate everyone," said Al Shibani. New structures should have clear signage, communication methods, easy access washrooms and access routes among others, he said. [email protected] ------ To see more of the Khaleej Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.khaleejtimes.com. Copyright (c) 2010, Khaleej Times, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |