Purpose of the Universal Design Guideline
The Curtin Universal Design Guideline has been prepared to guide built form and development within Curtin University’s Bentley campus. The Universal Design Guideline is one of many strategic and operational tools that have been developed to deliver the University’s strategic objective to be the most accessible University campus by 2030.
Where the Universal Design Guidelines apply
All development within Curtin University’s Bentley campus.
Development (as defined in the Planning and Development Act 2005) means the development or use of any land, including –
- Any demolition, erection, construction, alteration of or addition to any building or structure on the land;
- The carrying out on the land of any excavation or other works.
How to apply the Universal Design Guideline
The Curtin Universal Design Guideline will be used by the University in a number of ways, it can assist to scope projects, test design outcomes and form part of a compliance approach. These Development Guidelines are intended to create unique Curtin standards for the form and character of all development on campus.
The Curtin Universal Design Guideline may also be used by a number of stakeholders and decision-makers for the preparation of and assessment of Curtin’s Universal Design objectives. The Universal Design Guideline will apply to the different stages of the Curtin University PF+D Capital Works Delivery Model.
- Phase 1 Investigations – The principles of Universal Design and potentially the objectives within the Universal Design Guideline will be referred to in this preliminary phase.
- Phase 2 Planning – As the scope of the project becomes more defined, specific objectives of the Universal Design Guideline can be referred.
- Phase 3 Implementation – There is scope within this phase to include detailed Universal Design Guideline elements and design criteria within the development of the project brief.
- Phase 4 Occupation and Activation – To some extent the Universal Design Guideline can act as a check list for post occupancy evaluation and project closure.
It is expected that over time the application of the Universal Design Guideline will be written into the Curtin University procedures. There will be an opportunity for users to identify when and where to use the guideline as well as refine the design criteria to reflect a specific Curtin approach to Universal Design.
In addition to the above model, the Curtin University Properties, Facilities & Development and Planning teams have defined a project delivery framework for capital works. This approach may be of benefit in identifying opportunities to apply the Universal Design Guideline across different stages of projects:
- Initiation of a project
- Schematic design and feasibility
- Construction, mobilization and detailed design
- Handover and commission
This Universal Design Guideline is an innovative approach to access to the campus, as stakeholders take up the opportunity to refer to the Guideline a process will evolve and will be adopted into the day to day practices of the University.
In addition to the Universal design Guideline there are a number of Curtin University guidelines that specifically encourage innovation in placemaking and design. Stakeholders are encouraged to liaise with Curtin Properties, Facilities & Development and Planning teams to ensure all relevant guidelines and strategies have been considered as part of the planning for a project.
How stakeholders might use the guideline
| Stakeholder type | Content of interest | Curtin PF+D Capital Works Delivery Model |
|---|---|---|
| Visionaries | Curtin’s Universal Design Guideline Vision 7 Curtin Universal Design principles |
Phase 1 Investigations |
| Implementers | 7 Universal Design Principles Eight Elements and Design Criteria | Phase 2 Planning Phase 3 Implementation |
| Maintainers | Eight Elements and Design Criteria | Phase 4 Occupation and Activation. |
| Users (users of the campus) | Vision – Curtin’s commitment to make a better future 7 Curtin Universal Design principles | Users should be considered at each of the four phases of the Capital Works Delivery Model |
Existing buildings
Curtin University is committed to maximising access to buildings and addressing understood or identified barriers to access for all people, to existing buildings. Specific and detailed consideration must be given to the most cost effective method that meets the Curtin University vision, to create an equal and inclusive environment for all people. When a refurbishment or upgrade of an existing building is proposed, the following stages are to be followed:
- A Disability Access Consultant who is an Accredited member of the Association of Consultants in Access, Australia (ACAA) is to meet with Curtin University’s Disability Advisors to gain an understanding of:
- Known access barriers;
- Outstanding complaints as they pertain to the building.
- The Disability Access Consultant is to undertake a comprehensive audit of the existing building and prepare a detailed, technical document that makes recommendations to address:
- Upgrade requirements to bring the building in line with contemporary / mandatory requirements for access for people with a disability;
- Enhancements to the upgrade recommendations, clearly defining those recommendations that are based on the principles of Universal Design.
- Those responsible for the design of the refurbished / upgraded space to incorporate recommendations made, liaising with a Disability Access Consultant, Curtin’s Disability Advisor, Curtin appointed Project Manager and Curtin staff including those responsible for campus operations, maintenance, security and other stakeholders, as relevant to the project.
- Throughout refurbishment works, liaise as necessary with the team, as detailed above.
- At Practical Completion the Disability Access Consultant is to conduct a final inspection of the works to ensure compliance with mandatory requirements (as deemed applicable) and the application of the Principles of Universal Design as agreed at the design stage. A comprehensive report confirming the design meets the Principles of Universal Design, as far as is feasible and practical and as agreed by all stakeholders is to be prepared and issued to the Curtin University Project Manager responsible for the works.