What was our goal?

The team consisting of faculty members and research assistants from ITU Faculty of Architecture Department of Interior Architecture is supported within the scope of ERASMUS  Project “Practicing Universal Design Principles In Design Education Through a CAD-Based Game”. In the project, which was coordinated by ITU, 6 universities from 4 countries (Istanbul Technical University, Lahti University of Applied Sciences, Hochshule Ostwestfalen LIPPE, Hochschule Fur Tecknik Stuttgart, Universita Degli Studi di Firenze, Politecnico di Milano) and 2 non-governmental organizations (SERÇEV and Occupational Therapy Association) are also stakeholders. The project aims to measure the level of knowledge and awareness of students of architecture and design faculties in different countries’ universities on universal design. A software will be developed that will allow architecture and design students to experience the universal design principles they have theoretically acquired in the CAD environment. This software will provide future designers with an experience environment that they can internalize with augmented reality. The field studies of the project will be carried out in secondary education institutions in partner countries, which are used together by students with and without disabilities. In this way, it is aimed to contribute to the design of livable spaces for everyone by architecture and design students.

What have we accomplished?

PUDCAD includes a design game on a CAD-based platform that will allow students to learn about basic and advanced universal design principles and educate them in a fun context.The game is particularly focused on inclusive high school design for students with cerebral palsy, which includes various motor dysfunctions that cause different movement disorders.The main tasks of the project are; – Analysis and Documentation – Pilot Research / On-Site Observation – Review of the Game Database – Development of Infrastructure – Development of Game and Complementary Learning Materials – Application of the Game to the Universal Design Curriculum in International Educational Networks – Expanding Universal Design Awareness and Creating Innovative Learning Environments.