Opening of the 2nd International Universal Design Research Course

International Institute for Universal Design
Opening of the 2nd International Universal Design Research Course

The International Association for Universal Design (IAUD) established the International Institute for Universal Design (IIUD) in October 2023 to promote education and research projects related to universal design (UD), and this year, the second year of the International Universal Design Research Course, will expand its activities internationally.
Japan's ageing population is now more than 29%, already a super-aged society, the likes of which no other country has ever experienced.
It is however predicted that Italy, Germany and other European countries will eventually become super-aged societies like Japan, and the common concern is the decline in the working population. To solve this problem, it is necessary to increase the employment rate of people with disabilities, the elderly, women and foreigners who are willing to work, and to create a working environment in which they can work comfortably. To make it a reality, the concept of UD is important.

Admission Guide for the 2nd International Universal Design Research Course

Universal Design refers to the design of products, buildings, spaces and systems with the intention from the outset of making them accessible and usable to the greatest possible number of people, regardless of their abilities, gender, age, ethnicity, culture, customs, religion, nationality, etc.
It is IAUD’s sincere belief that creating a safe and secure social environment that respects the humanity of each and every individual is the essence of Universal Design.

In developed and industrialized countries such as Japan, Europe and the USA, ideas such as Universal Design, Inclusive Design and Design for All have become widespread and living environments have been developed, but in developing countries and many other emerging countries, such ideas have yet to be developed.
However, we can learn from such countries with different climates and cultural backgrounds, on vernacular and sustainable design that are unique to their region, supplementing the concept of universal and inclusive design.
We have to emphasize that mutual transfer of knowledge and experience across national borders will be of great importance from now on.

The 2nd International UD Research Course invites students and lecturers from all over the world to exchange diverse information and opinions on UD, thereby providing participants with opportunities for re-skilling and recurrent education by encouraging a renewed awareness.
We sincerely hope that you will understand the main objectives of the course. We look forward to your broad support, cooperation and active participation of people in various positions.

October 17, 2024

Satoshi Kose
Chairman, Board of Directors,
International Association for Universal Design