Ms. Ridhima Chauhan,
Deepti Pande Rana,
- Student, Amity School of Architecture, Amity University, Lucknow, India
- Associate Professor, Amity School of Architecture and Planning, Amity University, Lucknow, India
Abstract
Accessibility and universal design in Indian interiors are essential for creating inclusive spaces that cater to all individuals, regardless of ability. These principles ensure that environments are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities, and enhance overall comfort and functionality. In the Indian context, integrating accessibility and universal design into interiors is particularly important due to the country’s diverse population and the growing emphasis on inclusivity. This approach involves implementing features such as ramps, tactile signage, adjustable furniture, and assistive technologies in both public and private spaces. By adopting these practices, Indian interiors can become more equitable, fostering a sense of belonging and independence for all users. The incorporation of accessibility and universal design not only complies with legal mandates, such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, but also promotes social inclusion and enhances the overall quality of life.
Keywords: Accessibility, universal design, Indian interiors, inclusivity, disabilities, ramps, tactile signage, adjustable furniture, social inclusion, equity
[This article belongs to International Journal of Architectural Design and Planning ]
Ms. Ridhima Chauhan, Deepti Pande Rana. Practical and Universal Design for Indian Interior Design. International Journal of Architectural Design and Planning. 2025; 03(01):42-53.
Ms. Ridhima Chauhan, Deepti Pande Rana. Practical and Universal Design for Indian Interior Design. International Journal of Architectural Design and Planning. 2025; 03(01):42-53. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijadp/article=2025/view=198690
References
- Khare R, Khare A. Design competition as a pedagogical tool to teach concepts of universal design in India. In Proceedings of the human factors and ergonomics society annual meeting. Sage CA: Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications. 2013 Sep; 57(1): 511–515.
- Gupta A, Kapse S. Universal Design in Indian Context: Case Studies and Best Practices. Journal of Interior Design and Built Environment. 2021; 12(3): 45–56.
- Khosla R, Shukla A. Inclusive Design Strategies for Urban Indian Homes. Design Research India Journal. 2019; 7(1): 30–42.
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Harmonized Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India. India: Government of India; 2020.
- Singh M, Verma P. Designing for All: Accessibility in Indian Homes. International Journal of Housing and Interior Design. 2020; 9(2): 65–78.
- Desai A. Indian Interior Design: A Tradition of Innovation. New Delhi, India: Roli Books; 2018.
- Sharma R, Prasad N. Universal Design in Heritage Spaces: An Indian Perspective. Journal of Built Environment Studies (BESt). 2021; 15(2): 105–115.
- Chawla P. Ergonomics in Interior Design: A Study of Indian Urban Homes. Indian Journal of Applied Research in Design. 2022; 4(3): 90–100.
- Joshi R, Mehta A. Affordable and Accessible Interiors for Indian Middle-Class Homes. Journal of Interior Design Research. 2023; 11(1): 25–39.
- Rana S, Patel K. Design for Diversity: Universal Design in Indian Educational Institutions. Architectural Design Research Journal. 2020; 14(3): 120–135.
- Aggarwal N. Barrier-Free Design for Indian Residences. Journal of Architecture and Interior Design Studies. 2019; 8(2): 45–58.
- Bhargava R, Iyer S. Adaptive Reuse of Spaces with Universal Design Principles in India. International Journal of Sustainable Design (IJSDes). 2021; 10(2): 135–149.
- Mehta D, Rajan P. Integrating Accessibility in Luxury Apartments: Indian Case Studies. Journal of Interior Design and Luxury Studies. 2019; 7(3): 120–135.

International Journal of Architectural Design and Planning
Volume | 03 |
Issue | 01 |
Received | 20/08/2024 |
Accepted | 08/01/2025 |
Published | 25/01/2025 |