Singapore's population is ageing, and our built environment must keep pace. Beyond barrier-free compliance, truly inclusive design anticipates the diverse needs of all users, regardless of age or ability, and treats accessibility as a design opportunity rather than a checklist. This four-day course equips architects, designers, and built environment professionals with the practical skills and design thinking needed to create spaces that work for everyone.
Updated to reflect the latest BCA Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment, the course combines expert-led instruction with hands-on sessions and real-world case studies drawn from local and international practice. Participants will leave with a clear framework for applying Universal Design principles across different building typologies, an understanding of how inclusive design decisions are made in multidisciplinary teams, and the confidence to go beyond minimum standards in their own projects.
Whether you are new to Universal Design or looking to deepen your existing practice, this course offers a grounded, practical pathway to more inclusive design.
Objectives
Understand the various planning and design considerations for different group of end-users and communities (including physically challenged, elderly and children with disabilities, aging and dementia communities).
Understand the latest updates to the BCA Code of Accessibility and the Universal Design index self-assessment framework.
Create awareness of the Environmental Audit Toolkit (EAT), its applications and potential benefits.
Apply practical UD applications and strategies from exemplary UD case studies and projects.
Introduction to Human Abilities
Overview of disabilities in Singapore
Understanding of sensory, psychomotor, cognitive and affective abilities and challenges
Code On Accessibility in the Built Environment
Understanding objectives of accessibility requirements
Key requirements & minimum provisions
Common errors interpretation & implementation
Understanding Universal Design (UD)
Applying principles of Universal Design
Universal Design index (UDi) self-assessment framework
Experiential Journey
Immersive learning workshop with guided hands-on activities to enhance greater awareness and appreciation of the realities experienced by end-users
Design Considerations for Persons with Vision Impairment and Hearing Impairment
Challenges for people with vision impairment and hearing impairment in Singapore
How buildings and infrastructure can be designed to address the needs of people with vision impairment and hearing impairment
Design Considerations for the Physically Challenged
Challenges for persons with mobility impairments and how they access the buildings and spaces
How buildings and infrastructure can be designed to cater to the needs of persons with physical disabilities
Design Considerations for Elderly with Disabilities
Common challenges and design considerations for physical home environment to be more suitable for elderly with disabilities
Use of assistive technology devices to enhance the independence of elderly with disabilities
Case scenario discussions
Design Considerations for Parent with Children with Disabilities and Children with Disabilities
Common challenges and design considerations for physical home environment to be more suitable for children with disabilities
Use of assistive technology devices to enhance the quality of the children’s lives
Case scenario discussions
Design Considerations for creating a Dementia-Friendly Neighbourhood
Overview of dementia in Singapore
Designing inclusive environment for people living with dementia
Applying dementia-friendly principles in our home
Design Considerations for Age-Friendly Community
Overview of ageing population in Singapore
Inclusive planning and design guidelines
Use of Environmental Audit Toolkit (with practical session) and the Dementia-friendly checklist
UD Case Studies
Sharing by industry practitioners on exemplary award-winning projects that have gone beyond Code compliances
Hear from industry practitioners the design process, challenges and innovative strategies that have been implemented in actual projects.
25th Run
16, 17, 18, 19 November 2026
9.00am - 6.00pm
BCA Braddell Campus
This course will be conducted by a diverse group of experienced UD practitioners/architects and experts from the relevant agencies, special education professors, access consultants and BCA Universal Design Department.
Stakeholders of the built environment sector (Architects, Building Owners, Facility Managers, Project Managers, Town Council Executive, Academics, Interior Designers, Managing Agents, Contractors, Suppliers)
Assessment
Date: 27 November 2026 Time: To be confirmed Venue: Virtual via Zoom
Award
e-Certificate of Successful Completion (e-CSC) will be awarded to participants who:
Attain 75% of physical attendance
Complete the in-class assignment
Pass both the quiz assessment and group project presentation
Candidates must possess an architectural degree or a building related degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience, or 5 years for diploma holders. Course is recognised for training requirement of at least one professional under the Public Sector Panels of Consultants (PSPC) categories of AR01 & AR02 for Architectural firms and PM01 & PM02 for firms offering project management service.
