Research to inform the development and delivery of Continuous Professional Development in Universal Design that is suitable for promotion by the RIAI

Embedding the Universal Design process within the education and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of architectural professionals can cement their role as agents for creating a built environment that affords widespread social participation.  This research was a collaborative project between the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDeA Center) at the University at Buffalo — State University of New York and the School of Architecture at the University of Limerick. It was commissioned by the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) at the National Disability Authority working in partnership with the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). The RIAI is the Registration and Support body for Architects in Ireland. The CEUD has a specific statutory remit to liaise with professional bodies, such as the RIAI to encourage education and training in Universal Design.

The purpose of this research was to inform the development and delivery of Universal Design CPD for Architects and Architectural Technologists practising in the Republic of Ireland. The recommendations in the report are based on the findings from two stages of research conducted between August 2015 and August 2016 which include:

• a review of existing literature and resources
• stakeholder engagement

The Executive Summary of the research report is available for download below.

Due to the large size of the documents, the full report and appendices are available on request by emailing us.