Identify the general design of the environment Planning design of 108 points of view

Author: (Japanese) Naoto Tanaka
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: Preface In recent years, the concept of universal design promoted by the United States has also been adopted in Japan. However, what constitutes universal design, and what specific design solutions exist for it, remain unanswered questions. Without a clear elaboration of universal design, it is easy to fall into the predicament of prioritizing language and concepts over substance. To address this, this book focuses on signs, which play a crucial role in the complex urban environment, and explores what universal design truly means and what conditions should be met in a universal design signage environment. Signs are closely related to barrier-free design. The peak of the movement to build welfare cities occurred in the 1970s. High economic development brought about negative effects such as pollution and urban problems. Through reflection on these issues, many citizens' concerns shifted toward the living environment. Before this, barrier-free design of public facilities had been promoted to encourage people confined to their homes and facilities to participate in social activities. However, at that time, it was limited to the living spaces of a narrow group centered on wheelchair users, and the attitude of municipal authorities was merely that of pitying these individuals as "needing special care," which cannot be denied. It was not until the International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981 that people began to realize the limitations of this mindset. The arrival of an ultra-elderly society had become a hot topic, as people with disabilities who struggled to participate in social activities were no longer a minority. This day had finally become a reality. As a result, the purpose of urban construction shifted, and building comfortable cities was no longer for a specific group but for everyone. People began to re-examine barrier-free design, and the concept of universal design advocates serving "everyone." The prominence of universal design is precisely due to this background. Signs should also go beyond traditional barrier-free design practices and become important environmental elements that are both aesthetically pleasing and welcoming. They must not only consider individual measures for people with disabilities but also reconsider the needs of the entire society. From this perspective, this book re-examines the signage environment, suggests the conditions that the signage environment should meet in the future, and compiles case studies from both within and outside Japan, as well as research findings on environmental design and planning at the current stage. As it is still in the research and investigation phase, there are many imperfections. If this book can provide some universal insights for those who wish to study urban construction in the new century, I will be deeply gratified. At the conclusion of this research and investigation, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology for its support of the international academic survey. Naoto Tanaka August 4, 1999