Housing for special needs: Physical interior design to accommodate special needs

Abstract

In this paper we have adopted a novel approach to ‘housing for special needs’, redefining people with special needs philosophically, and using statistical analysis of the South African population to reinforce our argument. We have examined housing design in its wider context- in relation to housing policy and to urban and environmental planning. We have investigated the design features common to groups of people with identified ‘access needs’ and considered the design features that should be included in all housing, social or otherwise. We have also analyzed the features that should exist in housing to accommodate for the diversity of society as a whole.