The UIA announces the launch of its international award “Friendly Spaces Accessible to All”
This award celebrates excellence in architecture that is accessible to all and respects the principles of universal design. The award will be presented to completed projects that have created attractive, inclusive and sustainable environments where the recognition of human diversity through friendly architectural expression has been central to the design process.

A special award will be given to an architect(s) for evidence based design research that makes a
significant contribution to improved quality of life through facilitating a better understanding of
user-centered design and its application to the design of the built environment.

ELIGIBILITY
Built works by architect members of UIA bodies that demonstrably meet the above criteria and which have been completed since the 1st January 2009. Works may include new buildings and spaces as well as rehabilitation or adaptive reuse of existing or historic buildings and places
Research undertaken by an architect or architects which advances the theory and practice of
universal design. Topics may include, but are not limited to, user participation in design, design for ageing, anthropometric studies leading to built environment standards, post occupancy evaluation based on human interaction, sensorial perception of the built environment, and also the development of universal design education for architects. The research should have been completed since 1st January 2012.

CATEGORIES
Up to three medals and nine special mentions will be made in the following categories:

1. Public Spaces

2. Public and institutional buildings,

3. Private buildings,

4. Research (special award)