APPLICATION OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN STRATEGIES IN THE DESIGN OF A SHOPPING MALL IN KADUNA

Universal Design is a concept of design that is aimed at producing products, buildings and environments that enables every person to participate and access regardless of their age, ability or disability, gender and social status. The study investigated the application of Universal Design strategies in the design of a shopping mall in Kaduna with the view of integrating those Universal Design strategies in the design with the intent of promoting the inclusivity in the environment of the study area. The scope of study is limited to shopping malls with a minimum gross area of 14,000 square meters as specified by the (National Building Code, 2006). The study employed a strictly qualitative approach and inquiry methods. Simple random sampling technique were employed to select the sample size of the shopping malls. Three shopping malls were selected as the sample size from three states, Lagos, Abuja and Ogun. Textual analysis, observation guide and photographs were used to collect all the data in this study. Results were arranged in themes and presented using a descriptive approach with the aid of tables and photographs. The results connote that the building development regulatory body in the study adopts the National Building code (2006) as their regulations, only a few of these regulations comply with Universal Design strategies. The Accessibility features provided by the selected shopping malls are satisfactory in compliance with Universal Design strategies, however all the parking lots and ramps featured in the shopping malls were moderate in compliance. Some recommendations include the provision of regulations from the operational building development regulatory body in the study area and to the improve the existing accessibility features of shopping malls for users that are mobility impaired