Participative Environment Planning for the Physically Disabled Using Computer Aided Design

When planning new environments, such as homes and workplaces, for the physically disabled it is important to encourage active participation from all those involved. In a research programme initiated at the Lund Institute of Technology, Sweden, a new planning method is being introduced which utilizes computer-aided design as a planning tool. This tool supports and activates the understanding and participation of all involved, as well as aiding the expert in detailed planning of the environment’s functionality. This paper describes the planning tool and the studies performed so far. Future development and applications are also discussed.