Identification of General Design for the Environment - 108 Perspectives on Planning Design

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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. 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, the concerns of many citizens shifted to the living environment. Before this, barrier-free design of public facilities had been promoted to encourage people who were confined to their homes and institutions to participate in social activities. However, at that time, it was limited to the living spaces of a small group centered on wheelchair users, and the attitude of municipal authorities was merely that of pitying these people and considering them "in need of special care," which cannot be denied. It was not until the International Year of Disabled People 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 changed. Building comfortable cities was no longer for a specific group but for everyone, and people began to re-examine barrier-free design. The concept of universal design advocates serving "everyone," and its prominence stems from 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 society as a whole. 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 domestic and international examples, as well as current research findings in environmental design and planning. As this is still in the research 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 time of this investigation and research, I was supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology's international academic research grant, for which I express my sincere gratitude. Tanaka Naoto August 4, 1999