Investigating the incorporation of accessible designs in apartment blocks in Uganda. A case study of Kyanja Kampala

Abstract

The aim of this research was to establish the degree of incorporation of the accessible designs in apartment blocks in Uganda, first by establishing the needs and preferences of persons with mobility impairments, and finding an area in Kampala where I could analyze the apartment blocks and establish the degree of incorporation of these needs meant to make the lives of people with mobility impairment easier and livable without need for outside assistance. The methodology followed during this research involved desk research which included literature review and further research on the incorporation of accessible designs elsewhere showing the successes and shortcomings, and filed research which included interviews and questionnaires to persons with mobility impairment, apartment residents, designers and architects. It further included photography, observation measurements, among other things to obtain the necessary data. From the findings of this research, it was clear to see that the accessible deigns were not being incorporated as they should in most apartments and it was difficult to find an apartment that was fully accessible to a person with mobility impairment. This was due to the designs being ignored knowingly or unknowingly at different stages of construction, starting from the design stage all the way through the construction stages to the finish. This was facilitated majorly by the lack of clarity in the local building regulations and standards, and the lack of sensitization of the general public about the needs and preferences of persons with mobility impairment.