title: Universal Design and Continuing Professional Development for Architects: An Irish Case Study.
abstract: The Tomar Resolution urged that all occupations working in the built environment be educated in the principles and measures of Universal Design in order to facilitate all people playing a full role in society. For Architects and Architectural Technologists, under-graduate education will continue to have a major role to play. At the same time in the Republic of Ireland, and in an ever-growing number of other jurisdictions, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is a requirement for all Architects and Architectural Technologists and can significantly affect knowledge, skill and competence in a number of subjects including Universal Design. This paper looks at the results of a recent survey of Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in Ireland, architectural educators, and client bodies that sought to assess the following: 1. How inherent is Universal Design knowledge to current building design practice? 2. What are the current Universal Design education and training needs of Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in Ireland? 3. Which Universal Design themes and topics are of most interest to Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in Ireland? 4. To what extent does existing CPD for Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in Ireland address Universal Design topics? 5. What can motivate Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in Ireland to access Universal Design CPD? 6. What are the most effective means by which to deliver Universal Design CPD to Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in Ireland? The survey discussed in this paper is one phase of a longer study aimed at providing a research base for developing CPD in Universal Design for Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in Ireland.
authors.affiliation: The School of Architecture at the University of Limerick.
authors.forename: Eoghan C O
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Shea
authors.affiliation: Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access, University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning.
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Basnak
authors.affiliation: The School of Architecture at the University of Limerick.
authors.forename: Merritt
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bucholz
authors.affiliation: Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access, University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning.
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Steinfeld
mesh_terms: D001107:Architectural Accessibility; D001108:Architecture / Q000193:education*; D004496:Education, Continuing; D007494:Ireland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires