New Anthology Explores Universal Design as a Tool for Change

Universal design as a tool for profound societal change is the central theme of a new scientific anthology from the Bevica Foundation’s interdisciplinary universal design research network, which has just been published.

The anthology is the second publication from the research network. While the first explored what universal design looks like from an interdisciplinary perspective across research and practice, Universal Design as a Tool for Change examines how the concept can function both as a creative force and as a practical means of creating social transformation in society.

“With this anthology, we take up that challenge by demonstrating how UD can be approached critically and collaboratively to transform our environments, institutions, cultures, and relationships. In doing so, the volume of chapters presented here all treat social change not as a fixed concept, but as something to be explored and UD as a thinking tool to explore with.” the editorial group states in the anthology’s introduction.

The anthology is edited by research network members Mia Høj Mathiasson, Thomas Skovgaard Worm, Leif Hemming Pedersen, Valeria Borsotti, and Roberta Cassi, all of whom also contribute chapters. The anthology furthermore includes contributions from 14 other members of the network.

The Bevica Foundation’s universal design research network consists of more than 40 researchers representing more than 10 research-based universities in Denmark. The network spans a wide range of disciplines, and interdisciplinarity has been a key guiding principle in the creation of the anthology. This is highlighted by Camilla Ryhl, Research Director at the Bevica Foundation.

“Just as with the [first anthology] from the research network, it was a requirement that members collaborate across disciplines when developing the chapters. This interdisciplinarity provides new and interesting perspectives on how universal design can be understood and practiced, thereby contributing to the development of the field of knowledge,” she states.

The anthology Universal Design as a Tool for Change has been published by Arkitektens Forlag. The anthology will also be available on the Bevica Foundation website within the next few weeks.