Day 3: October 14 (Sunday)　

Three specialists in attendance from South Korea, China and Hong Kong respectively gave presentations on the current status and problem areas in UD in their countries. Noting that the cooperation of local government and the corporate world was essential for the widespread penetration of UD, Professor Ko of Seoul National University praised the UD efforts led by major corporations in Japan, which he said stood in contrast to the relatively modest interest in UD demonstrated by corporations in South Korea. Professor Hua of China stated that the penetration of UD in his country was an area that needed to be tackled more actively in the future. To meet this challenge, she said that her country needed to promote the establishment of needs-based databases, research in best practices, and the preparation of guidelines. Describing the overcrowded living environment in Hong Kong, Ms. Chan indicated that space solutions were essential for the penetration of UD.

 

Young-jun Ko (Professor of Design Dept., Seoul National University of Science and Technology/ Vice President, Korea Society of Science of Design: Korea)

Subject: Universal Design in Korea
Spurred on by the ongoing ageing of the population, growing numbers of overseas visitors, improvement in UD education in universities and efforts by companies to develop UD products, UD is making steady progress in South Korea. One visible indication of this progress is the presence of English as well as Hangul signage in public places. Other visible indications are the presence on almost all subway platforms in the city of Seoul of fall prevention fences, the installation of gap covers between platforms and trains, and the installation of wheelchair lifts to facilitate boarding and exiting trains.
The operation of low-floor buses has also facilitated transportation for wheelchair users, and the use of slopes on walking trails in nature parks has enhanced the freedom of movement of wheelchair users. Many companies including Samsung have also embraced universal design.
While the application of UD has become evident in South Korea, there is a need for further development. In the future we must also give more thought to UD infrastructure for dealing with natural disasters.

Hua Dong (Professor by Special Appointment, Tongji University: China / Senior Lecturer, Brunel University: UK)

Subject: Universal Design in China
Barrier-free environments were established in approximately 100 cities in China in the lead up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. At present 1.13 million design students are studying universal design. Design to cater for an aging society is also being promoted in China.

Chan Lai Kiu (Vice Chairman of Hong Kong Architecture Centre: Hong Kong)

Subject: Universal Design in Hong Kong
Although I am not a specialist in UD, I am an architect and I have put UD into practice from the perspective of a person who views architecture as a service for people and who understands the importance of initiatives in promoting barrier-free environments. Together with my family, I have actively adopted UD in the course of our everyday lives.
Hong Kong is a city highly concentrated in a vertical direction. This environment has promoted the development of technology in lifts. On the other hand, the use of lifts poses serious risks in times of disaster. About 25% of Hong Kong's land is utilized while 75% is reserved for green areas and open spaces.
UD in public transportation is well developed. Various techniques have been devised to make effective use of narrow spaces. We will continue to develop UD to live comfortably in this environment.

A discussion on sustainability was held during this session, which welcomed specialists in various fields such as universal design, problems in ageing, and sustainability. As he presented various case studies, Dr. Arai stressed that a place where both UD users and creators could engage in discussion was needed in order to eliminate the invisible barriers between the two parties. Dr. Shiraishi then described the current status of Japan's ageing society and indicated that the richer people's interaction with society, the healthier they remained and the longer they lived. He also pointed out the importance of means of mobility. Dr. Masuda spoke about "backcasting", viewing the present with a vision of the future to realize a sustainable society. Recalling the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster, he pointed out that "all human beings are persons with disabilities at the time of a natural disaster".

Toshiharu Arai (Professor, Kanazawa College of Art: Japan)

Masaaki Shiraishi (President, Japan Productive Ageing Research Center: Japan)

Fumikazu Masuda (Design Consultant/Professor, Tokyo Zokei University: Japan)

As a result of the careful, neutral screening of 34 entries (2 from overseas) by the IAUD Award 2012 Judging Committee (Committee Head: Roger Coleman, Professor Emeritus, Royal College of Art), 11 entries were selected as recipients of the Special Award/HIH Prince Tomohito of Mikasa Award, Grand Award/Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, and Gold Award and Silver Award in the respective competition categories. Winners were presented with certificates of commendation. The "Great East Japan Earthquake Recovery Activities at Ricoh Limited" was selected as the winner of the Special Award/HIH Prince Tomohito of Mikasa Award, and "Sekisui House Co., Ltd.: Training through Hands-On Craft Center Activities and SH-UD Master Planner Program" was selected as the winner of the Grand Award/Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award. The awarding of certificates was followed by acceptance speeches by the recipients (1st Prizes and higher) and feedback from the Chairman of the Judging Committee, Dr. Coleman, regarding the assessment of the entries.

 

Yuji Ohya (Professor, Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University: Japan)

Dr. Ohya gave specific examples of the methods for using "lens windmills," which are capable of harnessing wind power for more effective power generation. In particular, he spoke of the challenges in realizing multi-purpose offshore floating wind turbine energy farms in the future as an effective way of utilizing Japan's exclusive economic zones (EEZ), which collectively comprise the world's sixth largest EEZ in area.

Isao Matsunaga (President, Geothermal Research Society of Japan/Emeritus Researcher, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology: Japan)

In addressing the challenges of effectively utilizing Japan's vast geothermal resources, said to be the third most abundant in the world, Dr. Matsunaga talked about the need to overcome the infrastructure costs involved and issues related to national parks. He also spoke of the need in the future to establish systems, develop technologies, and train personnel from a long-term perspective to successfully utilize these resources.

In summing up the 4th international conference, coordinator Keiji Kawahara (IAUD Executive Director) called upon participants to reflect on the conference's achievements, new issues and developments that became apparent in the course of the conference, and future points for discussion.

Coordinator

Keiji Kawahara (Executive Director, IAUD: Japan)

Roger Coleman (Professor Emeritus, Royal College of Art: UK)

This conference clarified those areas that we should focus on in the future in promoting UD activities. It is important for us to execute UD activities from the perspective of companies, local governments, and ordinary citizens. We can change society through methods with broad applicability and people-friendly measures. It is vital that we implement activities to improve not just the lives of a few but the lives of everyone and to share our methods and measures.

Valerie Fletcher (Executive Director, Institute for Human-Centered Design: USA)

We must share examples of the ways in which Japan coped following its recent major earthquake disaster. It is wonderful that so many companies participate in UD activities in Japan. When it comes to implementing activities, it is difficult to rely on individuals alone. In the future we must also involve economists and others in our efforts. Approximately one billion people of the world's population of seven billion have disabilities. It is clear that the need for UD is not "someone else's problem." The activities of IAUD are unique and should be shared globally. To do this, we must establish a balance between academics and the general population in our initiatives.

Francesc Aragall (President, Design for All Foundation: Spain)

This conference captured the interest of people in terms of how we can pass on information and know-how as shared knowledge. Products designed for people with disabilities have become products that we all can use. The activities of universal design should be initiated from the heart rather than as simple fundamental rights. They should be conceived of in a spirit of compassion and empathy. While this may be a very Japanese way of thinking, I think it is something that we all should learn from. The collective strength of organizations is vital, and the enthusiasm of ordinary citizens will increase the strength of UD. Now is the time to put UD into practice in all areas.

Fumiyo Kojima (Chairman of the Board of Directors, IAUD: Japan)

The corporate world, national government and municipal government must join forces in promoting UD activities. It was very important for as many people as possible to participate in this conference and to understand our activities, without making the conference overly specialized. I would like to see the sharing and horizontal deployment of good examples of UD and to promote these on a global scale. However, good examples inevitably become obsolete over time, so we must devise a system for their ongoing development. We must also develop systems for continually enlisting the efforts of young people as leaders. As we develop our UD activities, I think we must always aim to establish horizontal global links and vertical generational links.

Training and examination of basic knowledge in universal design covering knowledge and competence in accurately choosing appropriate products and services.
A two-hour group training seminar was followed by a one-hour comprehension test consisting of 50 questions.
Approximately 40 people participated in the training seminar and the examination.