Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability.
Designing for universal access means accounting for humans, in all of their varied capabilities and states. The principles of safe, obvious and step-free (SOS) incorporate human variation, so that planners and designers can incorporate universal access into their projects.
PNG: Principles of planning and design for pedestrians
Applying the seven pedestrian network characteristics can also be a useful way to ensuring environments are walking friendly.
PNG: Pedestrian network characteristics
Also refer to the NZ Building Code for access route requirements when your project interfaces with buildings.
Access routes - NZ Building Code(external link)
For ramps and infrastructure design associated with the access route see the PNG Paths guidance.
PNG: Footpath design geometry - gradient
It is important that safe, obvious, step-free routes are provided as a priority on the most important pedestrian routes in towns and cities.
Key universal design features in a walking environment are: