Universal Design in Architecture – the Nordic example in practice

Submitted by eva on Tue, 01/07/2025 - 10:01

Are we missing out on a decisive potential of universal design to change how we practice architecture and, in the process, increase architectural quality and sensory experiences for everyone?

Universal design is the prevalent concept used in the Nordic Region, but it is interpreted differently in different architectural practices. In her new book Universal Design in architecture, Ryhl engages in a dialogue with 10 Danish and Norwegian architects about their understanding of universal design and sensory qualities of architecture. The talk will present findings through Nordic architecture cases as well as examples of how sensory experiences can be implemented and strengthened through the use of universal design.  

IHCD’s Executive Director, Valerie Fletcher, will moderate the session with time for live questions and answers to follow.

About the Speaker

Camilla Ryhl is Research Director at the Bevica Foundation and Head of Universal Design Hub in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

She holds a Master’s and a Ph.D. degree in Architecture from the Royal Academy in Copenhagen. She has specialized in universal design and sensory qualities of architecture, as well as interpretation and implementation of universal design as a multidisciplinary principle. She has 20+ years’ experience as a researcher and a teacher, e.g. as Head of the universal design research group at BUILD AAU in Copenhagen, as Ed Roberts Post Doc Scholar at UC Berkeley, where she was also a Fulbright Scholar and as Professor in Universal design at Bergen School of Architecture in Norway.

She is regarded as a leading Nordic expert in the field of universal design.

Link to The Danish Architectural Press:

https://arkitektensforlag.dk/shop/p/universal-design-in-architecture-on-enabling-and-empowering-a-diverse-population

Key Details

  • Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2024
  • Time: 12:00 p.m. EST
  • Location: Online on Zoom Webinar. The link will be shared upon registering through Eventbrite and in the days leading up to the event. Closed captioning will be provided. 
  • Type: IHCD Global Webcast
  • Price: Free