UDita: Universal Design is the Answer

After meeting Harshvardhan Dubey & Gopika Anand on the first Walk for Arcause from Kolkata to Delhi, Gita Balakrishnan realised the complete lack of inclusivity in the way we design our buildings and spaces, highlighting an immediate need for empathy surrounding Universal Design and Inclusivity. This realisation laid the foundation for UDita, which aims to drive change through empathy and understanding. The goals of UDita are multifaceted, aiming to foster innovation, education, and awareness surrounding Universal Design principles.

In the Ideation phase, the project seeks to incentivize and recognise endeavours that champion inclusivity and accessibility within educational and professional realms through initiatives such as the Design Educators Awards, Arcause UDita Thesis Gold Medal, and UDita Grants for Barrier-free Design. Educationally, UDita aims to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate Universal Design principles into their respective fields through presentations to school students, self-paced learning content, collaborative studios with colleges, and faculty development programs. Lastly, in the Awareness phase, the project endeavours to raise widespread awareness and foster dialogue on Universal Design and Inclusion through initiatives like the Universal Design and Accessibility Walk for Arcause 4.0 and engagement with diverse stakeholders, ultimately inspiring collective action towards a more accessible and inclusive society.

Universal Design for the Built Environment: A Teacher’s Guide

Free Course I 2024

The course is ideal for educators, and professionals within the ACED community, providing valuable insights for educators to guide learners at all levels in applying Universal Design to their design and research endeavours.  Join us now, and play a pivotal role in driving accessibility as a leading principle for an inclusive built environment!

Architectural and Design Pedagogical Repository

2024

8 Videos 

We bring to you a video repository of pedagogical approaches in architecture and design, that can be referred to openly on YouTube and our website. You can also contribute by nominating yourself or by connecting us with any faculty or practitioner who has surpassed conventional teaching standards and changed the course of architectural pedagogy in your opinion! 

Universal Design for the Built Environment: Beyond Ramps and Railings

Free Course I 2023

99 Lessons I 8.5 hours

Are you designing against the law? According to the Rights of Persons with Disability Act (2016) (Section 44), it is now against the law to build public buildings that are not inclusive or Universal Design compliant. But fear not – Project UDita’s self-paced online course on ‘Universal Design for the Built Environment: Beyond Ramps and Railings’ has got you covered! Tailored for students, teachers, architects, and professionals in the ACED community, this course dives deep into the legal landscape while equipping you with practical insights into Universal Design Principles. Don’t miss your chance to design for inclusivity.

The Design Educators Awards, under Project UDita by Mphasis and AVAS, recognise and celebrate faculty members who champion Universal Design in education. This program highlights educators who inspire students to embrace accessibility and inclusivity in their design practices, fostering a new generation of professionals who prioritize functional, safe, and accessible environments. By acknowledging innovative teaching approaches, the awards aim to mainstream Universal Design and build a community of educators committed to creating universally accessible spaces.

The Arcause UDita Gold Medal, under Project UDita by Mphasis F1 Foundation and AVAS, with Ethos Foundation as the knowledge partner, promotes Universal Design by encouraging its integration into student thesis projects. This award aims to break barriers, inspire change, and recognize designs that create inclusive, accessible environments for all. By focusing on the 7 principles of Universal Design, Equitable Use, Flexibility, Simplicity, Perceptibility, Tolerance for Error, Low Effort, and Space for Use. It supports innovative concepts that cater to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, ensuring a more inclusive future.

The Grants Program under Project UDita, by Mphasis F1 Foundation and AVAS, with Ethos Foundation as the knowledge partner, offers Rs. 50,000/- to three visionary winners or teams to bring Universal Design concepts to life. This initiative encourages projects that break down barriers and foster inclusivity through tangible solutions. It challenges participants to address design issues in public and residential spaces, campuses, offices, and beyond, with ideas ranging from apps and products to small renovations and prototypes. The program aims to create a barrier-free India, while ensuring collaboration and permissions for real-world implementation.