Body Size and the Built Environment: Creating an Inclusive Built Environment using Universal Design. Issue 1 (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pritchard, Erin
• Is Part Of: Geography compass. Volume 8:Issue 1(2014:Jan.)
• Page Start: 63
• Page End: 73
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: Geography -- Periodicals; Geography -- Research -- Periodicals; 910.5
• DOI: 10.1111/gec3.12108
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1749-8198

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Within Geography, the subject of body size is now gaining momentum, with a growing body of research, which focuses on how the sized body interacts with, and experiences spaces. There is some contention as to whether body sizes, which go beyond the norm, are disabled, which is often blamed on a lack of understanding of what disability is. This paper argues that spaces are disabling for different body sizes, due to the way they are constructed, and that spaces need to be made enabling in order to provide equal access for all. It is suggested that writers within geographies of body size could change focus from how spaces are disabling, to how spaces can become enabling for different body sizes, through engaging with the concept of universal design. The main aim of universal design is to accommodate for a range of different bodies, including different body sizes and thus providing equal access within the built environment.</p> </abstract>