🏢 4. Designing for Accessibility: Inclusive Interior Design Principles

By Mohammad Mahdi Fakhimi

Introduction:
Designing for all abilities isn’t just ethical—it’s essential. My philosophy in interior design centers on inclusivity, ensuring that spaces are usable by everyone, regardless of age or ability.

Key Principles of Accessible Design:

• Universal Design: Creating spaces usable by all without the need for adaptation.
• Barrier-Free Layouts: Wider doorways, ramps, and lever handles.
• Sensory Considerations: Using color contrasts and tactile surfaces to aid those with visual impairments.
• Smart Technologies: Voice-activated lighting and adjustable height counters.

Real-World Impact:
I recently worked on a community center project where implementing these principles increased accessibility scores by 85%.

Conclusion:
Accessibility should be the default, not the exception.